Biography

I am an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and descendant of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest's Indigenous communities. Growing up in the Yakima Valley, which overlays the traditional territories of the Yakama Nation, I was immersed in both traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry, which has shaped my approach to biological research and education. This dual foundation has enabled me to bridge traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary scientific methodologies throughout my career.
My academic journey progressed from a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Heritage University (2018) to a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Oregon State University (2022), where I developed nonlethal assays for zebrafish pathogens in Dr. Michael Kent's laboratory. Following my doctoral studies, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Zebrafish International Resource Center at the University of Oregon (2022-2023), implementing comprehensive pathogen surveillance programs, before joining Heritage University as an Assistant Professor of Biology (2023-2025). Throughout these experiences, I have maintained a commitment to scientific excellence while creating inclusive research environments that welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.

Research

My research program integrates two complementary areas that address critical challenges at the intersection of aquatic ecosystems, disease ecology, and human health. The first focuses on fish diseases affecting both model organisms (zebrafish) and commercially important species (salmon), where I investigate host-pathogen interactions, transmission dynamics, and epidemiological patterns. The second examines how environmental health hazards disproportionately impact underserved communities, with particular attention to water quality and air pollution.
These research areas are united by a fundamental interest in how environmental factors influence disease susceptibility and health outcomes across species. By applying interdisciplinary approaches that span molecular biology, epidemiology, and environmental science, my laboratory develops integrated models that enhance our understanding of disease ecology in changing environments.
In our aquatic disease research, we examine the molecular mechanisms underlying fish susceptibility to pathogens, and how environmental stressors alter these relationships. This work not only advances fundamental knowledge of host-pathogen dynamics but also supports the development of more effective strategies for disease prevention in both research and aquaculture settings.
Complementing our aquatic disease research, our environmental public health work examines the relationship between environmental contamination and health disparities in vulnerable populations. We employ rigorous epidemiological methods to characterize exposure pathways and health outcomes associated with environmental hazards, particularly in communities with limited access to resources. Through collaborative, community-engaged research approaches, we inform the development of evidence-based interventions that both advance scientific understanding and address immediate public health concerns. This research ultimately informs policy recommendations and community-level solutions designed to mitigate environmental health risks among underserved populations.
The convergence of these research areas provides unique insights into how environmental change affects disease dynamics across aquatic and human systems, ultimately contributing to more resilient ecosystems and communities. This integrated approach positions our work to address complex health challenges that emerge at the interface of environmental quality, pathogen ecology, and population vulnerability.

Research Interests

• Host-Pathogen Interactions in Aquatic Systems
• Disease Transmission Dynamics in Zebrafish and Salmon
• Environmental Determinants of Fish Disease Susceptibility
• Environmental Health Disparities in Underserved Communities

Education

Ph.D., Oregon State University, Microbiology

B.S., Heritage University, Biomedical Sciences