Teaching, to me, is both joyful and intentional, because science is fun, and learning should be too! My pedagogy is designed to make that spark of inquiry accessible to all. At its core, my goal is to create classrooms defined by curiosity, connection, and confidence. I strive to facilitate those memorable learning moments:  when a student answers an ecological question with their own data, engages in a meaningful exchange with a cultural steward, or encounters an endemic species in the field for the first time. I aim to ignite wonder while intentionally cultivating scientific literacy, critical thinking, and cultural humility. My methods emphasize inclusive, active learning. I use flipped classroom models and hands-on experiences to empower students to engage with diverse perspectives and take ownership of their education. As a first-generation Filipina scholar who navigated STEM through mentorship, representation, and storytelling, I understand their power, and I center them in my teaching. 

 

My approach to mentoring is rooted in the belief that academia is not simply a place where research happens; it is a space where people become more fully themselves, more confident in their voice, more rigorous in their thinking, and more connected to each other and to the living systems we study. I mentor toward collective responsibility: to one another, to our oceans, and to the communities that hold our work accountable and give it meaning. At the heart of my mentoring is the cultivation of shared impact. Together, we build ecologies of thought rooted in sustainability, care, and the work of creating flourishing futures. I have mentored over 15+ undergrad/grad research assistants/interns. One of my greatest joys in mentorship is witnessing students’ curiosity and confidence grow through milestones, big and small, as they discover their own capacity and the impact they can have in science and beyond.

I engage with 2–4 undergraduate student employees and interns each year. If you are interested in volunteering with the Aurelia husbandry system in the CnidoLab, feel free to email me anytime!