Hello, I am from Baltimore, Maryland. I am a first-generation college student who is the oldest of five siblings. This marks my second year as a Biology PhD student at Penn State University. My areas of research interest currently in the Carlo lab are Molecular Evolution, Behavior Ecology, and Conservation Biology. I studied previously at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland for my undergrad where I received my B.S. in Biology. While an undergrad, much of my work and education was focused on cell and molecular biology with an emphasis on genetics.
I gained research experience while working in Woods Hole Falmouth, Massachusetts where I worked at a federal facility, the US. Geological Survey. There I worked on a Coastal Change Likelihood program (CCL) using Arc GIS Pro to perform accuracy assessments on the new governmentally licensed predictive tool. During my internship I also traveled on different research vessels named the Cramer and the Tioga through a partnership with NOAA where I was able to collect zooplankton in the ocean to do further research. 
On the research vessels I collected data I helped deploy conductivity, density, and temperature carousels (CTDs) into the ocean to monitor the different intrinsic properties at specific depths of the ocean using Niskin bottle samplers. I also have internship experience exemplifying leadership skills, where I taught high schoolers across my hometown city STEM-focused curriculums. This internship was partnered with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). A lot of advocation, education, and teaching engagement was involved.
I am currently working in Brazil conducting research on my Ph.D proposal focused on tropical bird species and their effects on plant biodiversity. My goal is to better understand the relationship, if any, between how the functional traits of avian species given interspecific and intraspecific variation can influence the genetic structuring of plant populations through the ecological processes of frugivory and seed dispersal.
A lot of the work I am doing involves understanding movement patterns using GPS and various tracking devices. Using camera traps alongside focal observations to identify frequent bird visitors within the location. Lastly, understanding the genetic relatedness of the plant communities formed through frugivory and seed dispersal.
I am a huge fan of music (which includes singing), movies, and anything fantasy. I also am a cat owner myself. I love going out to eat with friends and families and spending quality time with those I care about and value.