Ashlynn Leanne

I am an early career researcher and certified SCUBA diver with a background in Biology and approximately 5 years of biotechnology experience. My academic and professional journey has given me a strong foundation in molecular and microbiology, and inspired me to apply these skills towards helping the environment.

Throughout my career thus far I have developed skills allowing me to perform microbial engineering across microalgae, bacteria, and yeast. I began my research in my undergraduate at UCSD, where I learned how to express plastic degrading enzymes and biomaterials in algae. I then worked on diazotrophs at a company called Pivot Bio, where I worked to upregulate nitrogen fixation pathways in non-model bacteria for use as sustainable fertilizer. Finally, at Biogrammatics I gained a wide array of protein engineering experience expressing various targets in yeast. These experiences have equipped me with techniques such as microbial cell culture, molecular cloning, PCR, DNA and RNA extraction, flow cytometry, and protein purification.

My growing interest in marine biology and conservation has led me to pursue research focused on coral reef ecosystems, particularly the relationships between reef-building corals and their associated microbial communities. I am especially interested in how microorganisms contribute to coral health and environmental adaptation as reefs face increasing pressure from climate change and anthropogenic stressors.

I am currently preparing for an independent research project developed in collaboration with scientists from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, including Dr. Anastazia Banaszak and Dr. Santiago Cadena. Our goal is to analyze the microbiome of coral colonies Orbicella faveolata of varying health to uncover possible links between microbial profiles and resilience.

My long term goal is to establish a career at the intersection of coral conservation and microbiology and contribute to protecting coral reefs.

November 2026