STEM Teacher and Researcher (STAR) Program
Paulina is a STAR fellow who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Spanish from San Diego State University and just recently graduated with her Bilingual Single Subject Teaching Credential in Biological Sciences also from San Diego State University. Her STAR and education-focused research is entitled “What Does It Take To Make A Biosignature?”. Through her project, she will assess the gene expressions of in-situ samples from hypersaline brine sites and their associated DNA, RNA, and protein profiles from preserved microbial community sources. As a future STEM teacher, Paulina strives to translate her research experience into a stimulating and rigorous curriculum for her future classroom so that her students are constantly investigating and asking questions about everyday phenomena and engage in meaningful science and engineering practices.