What I would like to study— I look forward to studying X. autotrophicus and its potential to remediate desertified soil. Its ability to excrete a hygroscopic exopolysaccharide along with its carbon and nitrogen fixing capabilities make it ideal for environmental bioremediation. I hope to take advantage of the properties of this biofilm polymer as well as the incredible metabolism of X. autotrophicus to assuage the agricultural impacts of extreme drought and heat in vulnerable areas.

Hobbies— going to the gym, figure skating, playing video games, surfing, swimming, cooking, baking

Other personal information— Earned Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at Middlebury College, VT. Grew up in the San Fernando Valley. Family is from the Philippines. Passionate about environmental biotechnologies. 24 years old.