ABOUT ME
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I am an interdisciplinary scientist interested in developing tractable systems to study symbiotic associations between hosts and their microbes. Although, my current focus is on cnidarian systems, I am also deeply interested in engineering symbiotic interactions between bacteria and hosts, to enhance metabolite production and other cellular processes. NSF GRFP Ph.D. Fellow Cnidarian Evolutionary Ecology Lab University of Southern California B.S. Microbiology A.S. Chemical Technology |
RESEARCHMy past research explored the ecological persistence of bacteria that can be used as potential biomarkers, useful for coral reef conservation and management. Presently, I am studying how bacteria influence the fitness and resilience of symbiotic microalgae, an endeavor which may be applicable to other host-microbe symbioses.
Aguirre, E.G., et al. Abundance of Oligoflexales bacteria is associated with algal symbiont density independent of thermal stress in Aiptasia anemones. bioRxiv (2023).
Aguirre, E.G., et al. Complete genome of Roseibium sp. strain Sym1, a bacterial associate of Symbiodinium linucheae, the microalgal symbiont of the anemone, Aiptasia. Microbiology Resource Announcements/ American Society of Microbiology Journal (2023). Aguirre, E.G., et al. Host-specific epibiomes of distinct Acropora cervicornis genotypes persist after field transplantation. Coral Reefs (2022). |
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SCIENCE COMMUNICATION / OUTREACH
Exposure to the scientific method is crucial for fostering critical thinking at any age.
I strive to make my research relatable to my community and inspire curiosity.
I strive to make my research relatable to my community and inspire curiosity.
ComSciCon LA 2021
(Communicating Science Workshop for Grad Students)
Served as part of the key organizing team and app manager. This workshop focused on building skills to enhance science communication in graduate students, with activities such as: SciComm fundamentals, DEI in SciComm, pop talks and a Write-a-Thon.
Author and Editor, Science section at the Daily Chela
(news publication)
Wrote popular science articles of relevance to Latin-American communities.
Women in STEM
Partnership with the L.A. Mayor's Office
Worked with high school students, at an all-girls high school, as a research consultant for a water quality project. Our mission was to inspire young women to pursue a career in STEM.
Food Safety and Basic Microbiology FUNdamentals for Kids
(ASES Program, at Gabriella Charter School, Los Angeles CA)
Created content and taught elementary school children the basics about the microbial kingdoms using hands-on activities. We also touched on food safety and appropriate handwashing and washing produce/meats.
Author and Editor for USC Dornsife, Marine and Environmental Biology
National Hispanic Heritage Month Newsletter 2021
Part of the organizing team. Created and edited content for the newsletter, focused on highlighting Latin-American scholars, specifically in Ecology and Evolution Departments, nationwide. You can browse the content here:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Speaker at USC Viterbi STEM Educational Outreach Programs
Engaged with primary school students from the surrounding, low-income communities to talk about my unconventional path to graduate school and why scientific research should be inclusive to people from all backgrounds.
Engaged with primary school students from the surrounding, low-income communities to talk about my unconventional path to graduate school and why scientific research should be inclusive to people from all backgrounds.
"Life on earth is such a good story you cannot afford to miss the beginning...Beneath our superficial differences we are, all of us, walking communities of bacteria. The world shimmers, a pointillist landscape made of tiny living beings"
- Lynn Margulis
