I grew up in Mexico City and Evanston, Illinois. I received my BA in Biology and Neuroscience at Carleton College in 2023. While at Carleton, I worked in Dr. Sarah Meerts’ lab, exploring the biological mechanisms of female sex behavior and motivation in rats. I also had the opportunity to work in Dr. Syrina Al Ain’s lab at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, where I explored social differences in rats with congenital blindness. My interest surrounding environmental mediators of social and sexual behavior led me to the Gore lab, where I am completing a two-year post-bacc under the Paglia fellowship.
My current research focuses on the social and neurodevelopmental effects of perinatal exposure to NeuroMix, an endocrine disruptor mixture created in the Gore lab. Evidence suggests that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be implicated in autism spectrum disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by differences in social behavior. I hope to better understand this connection by using ethologically-relevant rat assays, including the juvenile play test and the social transmission of food preference test. My goal is to go beyond traditional testing paradigms, as while, for example, the social-preference test allows for a high level of control and efficiency in testing social behaviors, it does not allow for consideration of complex social dynamics and the multitude of other variables that can impact sociability. I am also exploring the effects of NeuroMix on hormones and brain systems implicated in social behavior, including oxytocin, vasopressin, and their respective receptors.
I am passionate about learning new skills and tools that can enhance my research. This includes the use of machine learning software to analyze behavior and rat vocalizations. I enjoy statistics and computer science, and am grateful I have the opportunity to broaden my understanding in these fields through my research.
Some of my hobbies include making jewelry, Latin social dancing (salsa, bachata, and cumbia), and going on hikes with my partner Connor and dog Gideon. I am also passionate about social justice, trying to get involved in my community to foster equity and protect human rights. I am a proud Mexican who comes from a low-income background, and hope to uplift other low-income and people of color to pursue careers in science.