Giselle

Garcia

giselleg@uchicago.edu 360.918.2662 R E S E A R C H S T A T E M E N T I am a student of evolutionary biology with a passion for asking questions about how natural selection affects organisms. In particular, I am interested in developmental plasticity, sexual selection, and speciation, and the use of strong inference and the comparative method to explain the evolution of these phenomena. E D U C A T I O N The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA. Awarded a Bachelor of Science in 2012 with an emphasis on evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology. 2 0 1 2 Visual predation by Aurelia aurita. Conducted a research project on the use of vision in predation by Aurelia aurita, the moon jelly. Grew and maintained populations of bioluminescent bacteria, fed to brine shrimp, caught and maintained populations of Aurelia aurita. Marine Life. Upper division coursework in invertebrate zoology, marine ecology, and chemical and physical oceanography. 2 0 1 1 Atoms, Molecules, and Reactions: Inorganic Chemistry: Upper division coursework in inorganic chemistry, including molecular symmetry, group theory, molecular orbital theory and acid-base chemistry. Physics - Algebra-based physics. 2 0 1 0 Web placement in relation to light in the common house spider: Conducted collaborative experiment on web-placement behavior in relation to artificial light source in the common garden spider. Social behavior and masculinization of Crocuta crocuta: Literature- based investigation into the evolution of female masculinization and social structure in the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) with a partner. Animal Behavior & Zoology. Upper division coursework in Evolutionary Theory and Ecology, Animal Behavior, Population Biology, Zoology, and lower division Statistics credit. Development and Evolution: Form and Function through Time. Upper division coursework in molecular biology, developmental biology, phylogenetics, comparative anatomy, and lower division crdit in probability. 2 0 0 9 Genes to Ecosystems. Upper division coursework in macroevolutionary theory, phylogenetics, genetics, and evolutionary biology.

Introduction to Natural Science. General biology and general chemistry. SELECTED WORK EXPERIENCE The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 2 0 1 3 Lab Technician, Marcus Kronforst Laboratory I maintained and bred the butterfly species in Marcus Kronforsts lab, as well as continued the mitochondrial gene tree project I started as a volunteer. The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA 2012 2013 Laboratory Aide - I was employed as a Laboratory Aide for three quarters. I was responsible for the testing of laboratory experiments before programs engaged in them. I regularly worked with introductory chemistry and biology techniques such as: made up solutions, reagents, calibrated and tested GCMS and spectrometers, and assisting students during the laboratory. 2009 2011 Computer Applications Lab Staff. Fielded scientific computing questions at the scientific computing laboratory help desk. 2007 2009 The Flaming Eggplant Caf Founder & Co-Coordinator. I assisted in the startup and launch of an organic and cooperatively run student caf. I was responsible for hiring, public relations, finance. I wrote the Services and Activities budget for the 2009-2011 biennium, resulting in funding for a full time manager for the caf. I served on the Board of Advisors year-round. GRANTS & FUNDING 2 0 1 2 The Evergreen State College Foundation Activity Award. Awarded $620.00 for "Exploring the Relationship between the bioluminescent bacteria, P. leiognathi, the brine shrimp Artemia, and the jellyfish Aurelia labiata" by the Evergreen State College Foundation. 2 0 0 9 Clean Energy Committee Grant. Awarded $10,000 for the purchase of an electric car for shared use by the Flaming Eggplant Caf and the campus police. SELECTED VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE 2 0 1 3 Mitochondrial gene tree for Papilio spp. University of Chicago. Extracted and sequenced mitochondrial DNA from a number of Papilio species in order to create a mitochondrial gene tree in the hope of resolving their relationships in Marcus Kronforsts lab.

2 0 0 9 2 0 1 1 Chemistry Club, The Evergreen State College Volunteered during the yearly Science Fair. 2 0 0 8 Clean Energy Committee - The Evergreen State College. Served on the Clean Energy Committee at the Evergreen State College reviewing grant applications for clean energy related affairs. 2 0 0 8 The Flaming Eggplant Caf, The Evergreen State College. Volunteered to help source, hire, and accomplish general logistical tasks related to the launch of the student run caf the Flaming Eggplant Caf. INTERESTS In addition to evolutionary biology, I am interested in things that may generally promote the well-being of people and animals, such as local and organic food and activism surrounding climate change and governmental reform. I also occasionally play piano and violin in a band on Olympia, WA record label K Records, and, separately, perform various trapeze tricks every now and then.