CV

Education

• B.Sc. in Biology: Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 2020
• M.Sc. in Computer Science, University of Chicago, 2021
• Ph.D. Étudiant en Oceanographié, Université Laval, 2025 (expected)

Work experience

• 2016-2021: Community Ecology of Primary Producers in the Pacific Northwest
  • Tatoosh Island, Makkah Reservation, WA, USA
  • Designed and carried out a three-year experiment examining the alternate stable states of kelp and surfgrass. The study focused on differences in nutrient cycling and the effects of alternate stable states on biogeochemistry and diversity.
  • Supervisor: Dr. Cathy Pfister
• 2019 – 2021: Nitrogen Fixing Genetics
  • Tatoosh Island, Makkah Reservation, WA, USA
  • Used genetic techniques (PCR, Gel electrophoresis) to detect the nitrogen fixing capability of Phyllospadix meadows. Developed metagenomic workflows for the functional and taxnomic understanding of host-microbe symbiont systems in the nearshore intertidal.
  • Supervisor: Dr. Cathy Pfister
• 2019 – 2021: Nitrogen Fixing Genetics
  • Tatoosh Island, Makkah Reservation, WA, USA
  • Used genetic techniques (PCR, Gel electrophoresis) to detect the nitrogen fixing capability of Phyllospadix meadows. Developed metagenomic workflows for the functional and taxnomic understanding of host-microbe symbiont systems in the nearshore intertidal.
  • Supervisor: Dr. Cathy Pfister
• 2016 - 2017: Effect of Sea Star Associated Densovirus outbreak on Rocky Intertidal Communities
  • University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
  • Surveyed transects from a photographic database that described intertidal species zonation post-SSaDV outbreak.
  • Supervisor: Dr. J. Timothy Wootton
• 2015 - 2016: PADI Divemaster
  • Swaraj Dweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
  • Taught and assisted on SCUBA diving courses in English, Hindi and French with 5 Star PADI Resort, Barefoot SCUBA. Conducted 200+ dives.
• 2013 - 2015: Teaching English and Science at 17,000 ft
  • Ladakh, India
  • Developed lesson plans to promote government school learning outcomes in rural villages in the Tibetan Plateau. Mapped and conducted school assessments according to India’s ASER test.
  • Get involved at 17,000 ft!

Awards and Achievements

• University of Chicago Dean’s List 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19
• 2018: Jeff Metcalf Scholarship: Research with Mark Denny at the Hopkins Marine Station
• 2019: University of Chicago E&E Fellow Award 2019-20
• 2020-21: Suzanne B. Rudolph Scholarship for Graduate Study at UChicago
• 2021-25: Sentinelle Nord Scholarship for Graduate Studies at ULaval

Publications

Impact of Anthropogenic N-loading on Sulfate-Reducing Diazotrophic Communities in New England Salt Marshes

Miranda, KK, Giblin, AE, and Ruff, E. (2020). "Impact of Anthropogenic N-loading on Sulfate-Reducing Diazotrophic Communities in New England Salt Marshes." MBL SES Program. 1(2).

Differential impacts of alternate primary producers on carbon cycling

Miranda, K.K., Weigel, B.L., McCoy, S.J. and Pfister, C.A. (2021), Differential impacts of alternate primary producers on carbon cycling. Ecology. https://doi-org.proxy.uchicago.edu/10.1002/ecy.3455

The diversity and functional capacity of microbes associated with coastal phototrophs

Miranda, K.K., Weigel, B.L., Fogarty, E.C., Veseli, I.A., Giblin, A.E., Eren, M.A. and Pfister, C.A. (2022), The diversity and functional capacity of microbes associated with coastal phototrophs. mSystems in Review

Skills

• Languages: Fluent in English, Hindi, Spanish, French
• Drone Pilot License: Transport Canada (Basic Operations)
• SCUBA Training and Certification: PADIPro Divemaster, 300+ dives
• Field and Outdoor Skills: Diving and boat experience; use of compass and handheld GPS; using Hydrolab; seine netting; terrestrial soil and forest sampling techniques; kayaking; long distance biking; snowboarding; having a straight up good time
• Computational Skills: Programming in R, Python, Unix, Java, GoLang. Statistical analysis and modelling using R, Python, Image Analysis using FIJI, ImageJ.
• Artsy meanderings