I am a McNair scholar and a recent alum with a BA in Biological Sciences from CUNY-Hunter College in New York City.

 

My research interests revolve around understanding how plants adapt and thrive under environmental stresses such as drought, UV radiation, and salinity. I am specifically fascinated by the molecular and physiological mechanisms that enable survival in extreme environments, including deserts, salt lakes, hot springs, and arctic regions.

 

In 2025, I lived in Egypt, working with an environmental non-profit dedicated to conserving local deserts, wetlands, and native biodiversity while engaging local communities through environmental education.

 

In November 2025, I joined the Dassanayake Lab to further explore these survival mechanisms and contribute to advancing our understanding of plant resilience and adaptation.

Lab Manager - Research Assistant

Department of Biological Sciences

Louisiana State University

 

Lab: (225) 578-4918

E-mail: melgal1@lsu.edu

EDUCATION

• CUNY- Hunter College, New York City

  • Biological Sciences BA, 2024​

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Lab Manager / Research Assistant, Louisiana State University​

  • 2025- Present​​

• Field Conservation Officer, Dayma Eco-Experiences (Egypt)

  • Jan. 2025 – Nov. 2025

• Research Intern, Michigan State University

  • May 2024 – July 2024

  • Adviser: Dr. Andrea Case and Dr. Christopher Blackwood​​

• Research Intern, The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

  • May 2023 – July 2023

  • Adviser: Dr. Allison Miller and Dr. Christopher Topp

• Research Intern, University of Georgia

  • May 2022 – July 2022

  • Adviser: Dr. Andrea Sweigart and Dr. Sam Mantel

• Research Intern, Cornell University, Boyce Thompson Institute

  • May 2021 – Aug. 2021

  • Adviser: Dr. Suzy Strickler and Dr. Adrian Powell​