David (he/him) is a first-generation college graduate with indigenous and Hispanic roots. Growing up in Southern California, he developed a passion for the outdoors. His early experiences in National Parks led him to pursue a PhD in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at UC Irvine.
Additionally, David collaborated with Save the Redwoods League to assess restoration efforts in redwood forests. In his research with community partners, he used metagenomic techniques to fill important knowledge gaps. His work has shown that mycorrhizal fungi, which support plant growth, are sensitive to restoration efforts.
As a Sustainability Fellow at USC, David will incorporate metagenomic data to enhance models predicting sea level rise impacts in Southern California. To accomplish his research goals at USC, he will use an interdisciplinary approach combining biology and engineering.
Mentors:
Cameron Thrash
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
Felipe de Barros
Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Kathleen Treseder
Professor, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology