Leila Silva is a Wellesley College Class of 2028 student majoring in Environmental Studies, with concentrations in data/modeling and environmental science and a minor in Biology. Their interests center on global environmental change, especially marine and coastal ecology, environmental public health, and environmental justice.

Previous research experience: I worked with a professor on fish sensory biology, studying how skeletal development affects the lateral line sensory system in fishes. I helped design the project, collected fluorescence microscopy data, analyzed results, presented the work at the SICB annual conference, and am now preparing a manuscript. I also completed NSF-funded research on Chesapeake Bay oyster aquaculture, collecting and analyzing oyster and seawater samples to study how aquaculture methods and water quality affect pathogen levels. Most recently, I interned at NOAA, where I analyzed investments in uncrewed systems, presented my findings to NOAA leadership, and am preparing to present some of the work at the 2028 AGU conference.

How I got started: My first research experience came from asking a favorite lab professor after class what kind of research she was doing. She told me she was just getting started, and I asked her to let me know if she ever needed an extra set of hands. I followed up by email and became part of the first cohort of students in her lab.

Open to being contacted: Yes

Preferred contact: Lei1a@icloud.com

Advice/notes: Summer internship application advice; lab and research experiences.

Links

Location

Wellesley

Wellesley, MA, USA