While at the University of Miami, my graduate research focused on connecting environmental factors with social and governmental processes or responses. This research was done using geography information systems, also known as GIS. With my work, I analyzed how mangrove restoration could increase hurricane shelter availability. Additionally, I identified suitable locations for new mechanical mosquito traps using existing trap locations, coverage of different land use types, and proximity to low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. Both analyses used Miami-Dade County as a sample case and are applicable to other regions.

In addition to my research at the University of Miami, my work with the Reclamation Project at the Miami Science Museum gave me an opportunity to work with an eco-art project. Eco-art combines art and science to engage communities about environmental restoration. My experience in science, advocacy, and teaching helps the project communicate the message of restoring and preserving South Florida's native habitats. This message is communicated through creating eco-art installations in schools and businesses and educating students about how the environment is important socially and economically for South Florida residents.

As an undergraduate, my past research in Dr. Nita Lewis' lab explored methods to create molecular wires using synthesized peptides. By using synthetic peptides, molecular wires of any length can be made in a single batch process. This novel process is more efficient and precise than the current industrial process of creating wires of different lengths.

The molecular wire experiments tested whether peptides, or small strings of amino acids, could form wires that transmitted an electric current. Lengths of histidine peptides were created through solid-phase synthesis. The peptides were purified, characterized, and visualized with molecular modeling using molecular mechanics. Metallic atoms were bound to histidine peptides, forming a linear molecular wire. Electric conductivity analyses were done to test whether the molecular wires had conductance properties similar to normal metal wires.

Molecular models from right: histidine-2 and histidine-3

As a side project, I also researched the molecular properties of ruthenium (III) terpyridine chloride (Ru(III)(terpy)Cl3). Previous published articles referred to Ru(III)(terpy)Cl3 as a monomer, or a one-unit molecule. However, the interpretation of a mass spectrum and NMR analyses indicated that it is a dimer, or a two-unit molecule. Several molecular conformations were proposed through modeling to illustrate the dimer's appearance.

Possible molecular models of Ru(III)(terpy)Cl3