Yuómi’s work brings together computational biology, genetics, and physiology to explore questions in public health and conservation. At San Francisco State University, they studied tissue repair in moths, examined the effects of space travel on fruit flies, and investigated privacy vulnerabilities in FBI forensic genetics tools. After graduating, Yuómi contributed to quality control and R&D at Google X’s Debug Project, helping develop mosquito population control strategies using the Incompatible Insect Technique—an approach aimed at reducing the impact of the world’s deadliest animal. Now at the California Academy of Sciences, Yuómi works on the Insect Barcoding Team as part of the California Insect Barcode Initiative, building a DNA reference library for tens of thousands of California insects to support biodiversity research and conservation. Fluent in English and Spanish, Yuómi enjoys engaging diverse audiences in conversations about science, social justice, and ecological stewardship. They have previously led Putney’s Service Costa Rica program.