I am interested in the study of sponge regeneration and symbiotic interactions within coral reef ecosystems. My research focuses on the giant barrel sponge (Xestospongia muta), a key Caribbean species that hosts photosynthetic symbionts influencing its physiology and regenerative capacity. I aim to understand how light conditions affect tissue regeneration and how microbial communities and gene expression contribute to this process. By linking ecological and molecular data, my work seeks to inform and improve restoration strategies for reef sponges in Puerto Rico.
