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Daisy F

- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at University of Texas Austin (UT Austin)

Expertise

Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science Outreach and Education

Bio

I am originally from sunny San Diego, California, but I have travelled far and wide throughout my education. I started on my career path in marine biology after spending a summer in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Since then I have had the opportunity to work in Curacao to study coral reared from mass spawning events. I will continue research sexual coral reproduction throughout my Ph.D. program at UT-Austin. As an academic, I value interaction with students who are curious to step into research and science communication. As a functioning human, I enjoy talking about favorite books, movies, or tv shows over coffee. During my free time you may also find me practicing yoga, playing video games, or cuddling with my dog Luna!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

It's a small world: Community impact on marine ecology

Our world is more interconnected than ever before. The actions of individuals, communities, and large businesses can have an effect on marine ecology even though the coasts may be kilometers away. What impact do stakeholders in your community have on marine ecology?

Efficacy of Marine Protected Areas

Marine protected areas have the potential to guide sustainable resource management, but have a host of reasons for why they are not currently effective. Develop a framework for mapping, modeling, and implementing an effective Marine Protected Area.

The Birds, Bees, and Corals do it too!

Develop a science communication outreach tool to educate peers, friends, and families about sexual coral reproduction. Prepare for amazing pictures of spawning corals and their babies!

Coding skills

RStudio, Python

Languages I know

Spanish

Teaching experience

I have served in preschool classrooms in underserved communities as an AmeriCorps member and volunteered with Peer Health Exchange to teach health education to high school students in inner city schools. I have worked with the education department at the San Diego Zoo to teach conservation science to students of all ages, and tutor high school students with Galin Education.

Credentials

Work experience

Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (2018 - Current)
Research Assistant
San Diego Zoo Global (2015 - 2018)
Program Aide

Education

New York University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2017)
Biology/Ecology
University of Bremen
MS Master of Science
Coral Reef Ecology
University of Texas Austin (UT Austin)
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Coral Biology

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