Ph.D. Student
She/Her
About
Advisor: Tom Schmidt and Liliana Cortés Ortiz
Research Interests: ecology, conservation, microbiology
My work is multidisciplinary, incorporating microbiology, gamete biology, endocrinology, and ecology to address complex questions surrounding reproductive dysfunction in ex situ populations of endangered felids. My dissertation explores how reproductive and gut microbiomes shape reproductive physiology and success in threatened felids, such as cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa), through a collaboration with Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. While studying these species offers insights for conservation science, the complexity and limitations of working with endangered wildlife makes it difficult to examine deeper biological mechanisms. Therefore, I also work with domestic cats (Felis catus) as a model system, allowing for more controlled investigations into how host-associated microbiomes influence reproductive function. This complementary approach will enable my work to support both foundational research in microbial ecology and reproduction, as well as applied strategies for conservation management.
