About me

Santiago Yanez
Marine Biologist

My work goes beyond academic curiosity. I see marine biology as a bridge between scientific understanding and environmental stewardship. By mastering techniques like eDNA metabarcoding, molecular biology, and advanced statistical analysis, I am preparing to contribute meaningful solutions to marine ecosystem preservation. I dream of a future where scientific research directly translates into conservation strategies. My multifaceted approach—combining field research, genetic analysis, and a deep respect for marine life—reflects my commitment to creating positive change. Whether tracking invasive species in Hawai'i's waters or developing cutting-edge monitoring techniques, I am driven by an unwavering hope that my work will help protect and restore the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. With each research project, each dive beneath the waves, I move closer to my ultimate goal: being a guardian of the ocean, using science as my most powerful tool to benefit our planet's future

3

Dean's List
Awards

2

Languages:
English & Spanish

resume

Education & Experience

August 2024 - Present

Biostatistics Teaching Assistant (Biology 220L)

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa | Department of Biology | Teach and grade materials for one section of Biostatistics , facilitate student group project hypotheses, peer review and presentation

July 2024 - Present

Marine Genetics Research Assistant

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa | ToBo Lab, HIMB | Molecular biology lab work: DNA extraction, PCR, NCBI database searches, primer selection and design

January - July 2024

General Chemistry Lab (Chemistry 162L) Instructional Intern

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa | Department of Chemistry

June 2023 - March 2024

Oceanography Student Project Assistant

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa | CMORE-HALE | HOT Cruise Data annotation and selection of images for machine learning algorithm

September 2021 - July 2022

Lab Assistant (NSF MathBio)

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa | Zenil-Ferguson Lab | Data aggregation - find and extract data from publications with data of population cycling phenomena

work

Research Projects

July 2024 – Present

Development of an Environmental DNA (eDNA) Tool for Early Detection of Invasives and Monitoring for Spread of Unomia in Hawai‘i

Research Assistant, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Completed May 2023

Assessing the Efficacy of Marine Fish Survey Methods

Mentored Research, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

research

Research Papers

(May 2024) for BIOL 301 at University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

“Integrating Environmental DNA Metabarcoding and Visual Surveys to Assess Coral Reef Community Structure in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi”

By Santiago Yanez

(December 2023) for BIOL 499 at University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

“Assessing the Efficacy of Marine Fish Survey Methods”

By Santiago Yanez

(November 2023) for BOT 300 at University of Hawai’i at Manoa

“Empiricism, Indigenous Wisdom, and Ethical Conservation in Kimmerer's Gathering Moss”

By Santiago Yanez

(October 2023) for BOT 480 at University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

“Tracing the Genetic and Morphological Evolution from Green Algae to Land Plants: Conserved Genes and Key Genera”

By Santiago Yanez

(November 2022) for Bio 265L at University of Hawai’i at Manoa

“Preliminary Analysis of Lichen Competition Dynamics Based on Percent Coverage at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Campus"

By Santiago Yanez

awards

Dean Awards

Dean’s List: Fall 2021

Dean’s List: Spring 2021

Dean’s List: Spring 2024

Other Skills

Technical Skills

Computational:

R (ggplot2, infer, dplyr, tidyverse), MEGA, Geneious, Word, Excel,
Powerpoint

Field:

SCUBA Diving certified 2022, Reef Fish Survey Techniques (SPC, BLT), Field species
Identification (via MOP)

Statistical:

Binomial Test, Chi-Squared Test, T-test, Correlation, Linear Model, ANOVA

8 Projects

Analytical:

DNA Extraction, PCR, Magnetic Bead Clean, Qubit Fluorometric Quantification,
eDNA Metabarcoding

testimonial

Professional
Endorsements

contact

Let's Work Together!

science@santiagoyanez.com

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