I am a Ph.D. student in Dr. Jeffrey Stone’s lab at Indiana State University, where my research focuses on studying the phenotypic and genotypic diversification of Diploneis and Afrocymbella in East African Lakes. By investigating the evolutionary process driving their adaptation and speciation, I aim to uncover insights into the regional ecological history and contribute to our understanding of diatom evolution. I am engaged in research that covers diatom phylogeny, taxonomy, paleolimnology, paleoecology, and biomonitoring. I have explored the effects of crude oil spills and chemical variables on diatom assemblages. I’ve studied diatom assemblages in semiarid lakes with different anthropogenic disturbances, providing insights into their implications for water quality.