Hi, I’m Kaya
My research sits at the intersection of evolutionary biology and human-driven environmental change. I study how environmental variation shapes genomes, epigenetic regulation, and phenotypic plasticity across species and timescales.
Using comparative genomics, next-generation sequencing, and fieldwork in aquatic and terrestrial systems, I investigate how populations adapt, and how resilience or vulnerability emerges, in a rapidly changing world.
Outside the lab, I enjoy running, hiking, scuba diving, and exploring the kinds of dynamic landscapes that continually inspire my work — preferably with my two dogs, Jax and Nalu.
About My Research
Research Interests
My Labs
Blackmon Lab
Evolutionary biology of genome structure, sex chromosome evolution, and karyotype diversification across animals.
blackmon-lab.tamu.edu →Keene Lab
Neurobiology, behavior, and genomics of Astyanax mexicanus cave and surface populations — sleep, metabolism, and sensory evolution.
keenelab.com →Current Projects
Education & Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Biology
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Honors B.S. in Molecular Biology — Magna Cum Laude
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Minor in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Teaching
Teaching Assistant — Department of Biology, Texas A&M University
Introductory Biology II Lab · 75 students/semester
Biology Through Film (87 students) · Critical Writing in Biology (75 students)
Principles of Animal Physiology · 75 students
Introductory Biology I Lab · 50 students
Research Mentorship
Research Mentor — Department of Biology, Texas A&M University
- Meg McConnell — Exploring Achiasmy Synthesis
- Paige Maxa — Exploring Activity Behavior in Tribolium castaneum
- Kenzie Laird — Gene Flow in Bombus Across Warming Sky Islands
- Emily Clark — Starch Adaptations in Tribolium castaneum
Grants & Fellowships
ESI Graduate Fellow
Environment & Sustainability Initiative — Texas A&M University
Undergraduate Research Grant
Lehigh University · Awarded Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021
Environmental Fellowship
Lehigh University · Environment conservation & sustainability project
Undergraduate Scholar Award
Michael E. Family Endowment · Outstanding research scholars in Biology honors
Service
- Panelist — Neuroscience Meets Economics Symposium, Texas A&M University
- Organiser — Darwin Day Fair, Texas A&M University
- Board Member — Biological Outreach Committee, Texas A&M University
- Graphic Designer — EEB Recruitment Fair, Texas A&M University
- Event Volunteer — PRIDE Community Center, Bryan, TX
- Event Volunteer — Lehigh University Pride Center, Bethlehem, PA
- Field Guide & Outdoor Educator — Wild Kids Hawai‘i, Oahu, HI
Honors, Awards & Certifications
- First Year Biology Department Scholarship — Texas A&M University
- Michael E. Family Undergraduate Scholar Award — Lehigh University
- Biology Department Honors — Lehigh University
- Dean’s List Recipient — Lehigh University
- Magna Cum Laude — Lehigh University
- NOLS Wilderness First Aid Certified
- PADI Open Water Certified
- CPR / Epinephrine Administration
Pictures
A collection of photos from fieldwork, research, and adventures.
