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Hi! I'm Danica...

I am passionate about global health equity, increasing diversity and inclusion in STEM, and using science communication as a tool to empower communities by bridging the gap between science and society. I am a writer, illustrator, creative, and ultimately a storyteller.

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As a first-generation scientist, I understand the importance of making science more accessible. I hope that in sharing science stories through the perspective of my Filipino heritage, you gain a new understanding of and appreciation for science and diverse cultures.  

Summer 2017 & 2018

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Summer 2019

During my first summer internship with the Gilbride Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, I studied mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in different species of bacteria found in waste-water treatment plants. Here, I gained my foundation in molecular biology techniques. More importantly, I began to see the relevance of science in public health and our everyday lives. 

I completed my B.S. in Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill and dedicated several hours to research and teaching as an undergraduate TA. However, I also discovered a profound passion for global public health and health equity. In 2019, I took courses in 'Health Economics' and 'Health of the Poor In Asia' through the National University of Singapore's (NUS) FASSTrack Program. Through this opportunity, I traveled to Cambodia and participated in site visits in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to gain a first-hand understanding of the healthcare infrastructure and medical demands across these regions.  

Spring 2020

Summer/Fall 2020

In my last year of undergraduate studies, the COVID-19 pandemic began. Initially separated from my family by a locked US-Canadian border. This experience catalyzed my science communication efforts. My family felt particularly vulnerable with the news of the virus without a background in science and with the rise in hate crimes targeting Asian communities. Since offering comfort could only be done at a distance, I started a blog for them about COVID-related topics. 

I started my Ph.D. program at UNC-Chapel Hill the following term in the midst of a global pandemic. A group of trainees and I started LIT Review to present the latest literature findings across fields of interest while finding ways of adapting to the societal shift toward remote communication. Furthermore, driven to use my understanding of science to help others feel empowered in navigating this 'new world', I partnered with UNC's Media Department through Campus Health's Healthy Heels program during my first year to answer FAQs on their Instagram account about the vaccine once it was available.    

Today

Currently, I am a Ph.D. Candidate studying the genetics driving cardiovascular disease using scRNA-Seq techniques. Since my first year, I have taken on leadership roles, outreach work, and advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in my time outside of lab:

  • Through NC DNA Day, I have taught high school students about genetics and the importance of including diverse populations in research.

  • I have mentored undergraduate and first-year students from UNC, universities across the US, and students from across the globe through UNC IMSD, UNC's SURE/SOLAR Program, and GradMAP Philippines.

  • I am a contributing author for the NC DNA Day blog and The PipettePen. Through my work I hope to make science more accessible and relatable with the goal of telling stories that bring science and society together. 

  • I served on the Organizing Committee for the first in-person conference since the onset of COVID-19 for ComSciCon-Triangle 2023, following my time as an attendee during the virtual conference in 2022.   

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