Current Graduate Students
Valeria Ramírez Castañeda (2019-present)
My main research interest is the evolution of traits generated by interactions between organisms, especially by the predator-prey interactions in amphibians and reptiles. I am also interested in the evolution of toxicity resistance focused on the general basis of neurotoxin resistance. Furthermore, I enjoy contributing to science communication in Spanish, as well as discussions on diversity, inclusion, and equity in STEM.
For my complete research interests and cv, check out my website. También en español aquí.
Contact: vramirezc [at] berkeley [dot] edu
María José (Majo) Navarrete-Méndez (2020-present)
I am a naturalist by passion, a conservationist by conviction, and a biologist by a complex mixture of curiosity, hard work, and chance. My scientific interests focus on the study of amphibians and reptiles. I am interested in studying the genetic and environmental mechanisms underlying the evolution of novel traits which characterize instances of phenotypic diversification and convergence. Particularly, I focus on the evolution of chemical defenses in amphibians. I would like to study the symbiotic conversations between TTX producing-bacteria and amphibians including but not limited to frogs of the genus Atelopus and Brachycephalus and newts of the genus Taricha. I am also interested in studying the biogeography of Andean frogs and the Systematics and taxonomy of Pristimantis. Along with my professional aspirations, I am committed to protecting biological richness through science, empowering indigenous communities and women through conservation, and fostering gender equality in academia. Outside of the lab, I enjoy climbing mountains and dancing. Also, I love singing while looking for frogs and reptiles during fieldwork.
Contact: mnavarrete [at] berkeley [dot] edu
Kannon Pearson (2021-present)
I am fascinated by the ways in which toxins mediate organism-level interactions, and how selective and nonselective pressures on the interacting partners are subsequently reflected in the occurrence and quantities of these chemicals. In particular, I am interested in the relationships between poisonous amphibians and the skin-associated bacteria which supply or modify their toxins. An additional area of interest is the possible physiological coadaptations necessitated by the evolution of chemical defenses in which extremely large quantities of endogenous hormones act as toxins, as seen in toads of the family Bufonidae. I am passionate about animal welfare and seek to utilize and refine methodologies in my research that minimize the collection and sacrifice of amphibian specimens. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, watching Marvel movies, attempting to cook South Indian dishes, and sketching.
Contact: kannonpearson [at] berkeley [dot] edu
