MS Environmental Science, UTSA 2025
BS Wildlife Ecology, Texas A&M University 2021
BA English, Texas A&M University 2021
Interdisiciplinary-minded avian ecologist and science communicator. Experience in field ornithology, urban ecology, anthropology, and creative writing
Jump to: Ecological Research, Science Communication, Writing and Editing
Ecological Research
MS Thesis: Avian Microplastic Exposure in San Antonio, TX through an Environmental Justice Lens
Participatory science project comparing avian exposure to macro- and micro- plastic exposure across a socioeconomic gradient in San Antonio, TX.
Community recruitment, organic digestion via 10% KOH, stereomicroscope, FTIR, nest dissection
Funded by the Urban Bird Project →
PI: Dr. Jennifer Smith, Texas A&M University, Kingsville
Presented at AOS 2024, Texas Chapter TWS 2025, AFO 2025
Undergraduate Thesis: The effects of pishing and playback on avian behavior
Behavioral study on responses of songbirds to pishing and playback stimuli. Compared differing effects on wintering vs breeding and migratory vs resident birds.
Avian sight/sound ID, behavioral observations
Ortega, Mariel A. The Effects of Pishing and Playback on Avian Fitness. Undergraduate Research Scholars Capstone, Texas A&M University, 2021. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/203202. →
Funded by Schubot Mini Grant, A&M Undergraduate Research Funding, ABS Conservation Scholars
PI: Dr. Jacquelyn Grace, Texas A&M University
Presented at AOS 2020
The diversity of and host associations for avian malaria parasites in Vietnam
Phylogenetic study on avian malaria parasites from blood and tissue samples collected in Vietnam
DNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, BLAST
PI: Dr. Gary Voelker, Texas A&M University
Submitted for Publication 2025
Museum specimens as indicators of atmospheric black carbon over time, 2019
Measured over 1,000 bird specimens with a spectrometer to determine ‘sootiness’ (amount of black carbon particles on feathers) as an indicator of atmospheric black carbon through time. Assisted in data analysis with R.
Avian Field Technician, 2020
Took brachial blood samples from central Texas birds for analysis on avian malaria.
Texas A&M University →
Ecological Field Technician, 2021
Assisted in several studies on long-term consequences of human-driven environmental changes, including ecosystem responses to biodiversity loss, nitrogen deposition, elevated carbon dioxide, warming and changes in precipitation, and exotic species invasions
Birdsong Media Collection Intern, 2019
Recorded bird vocalizations in a two-week expedition in Western Australia.
Science Communication
Invited Panelist: “Soaring Beyond Borders: How Urban Birds Connect Us All”, 2025
Invited panelist, discussing my masters’ project research withe Urban Bird Project.
Educator: Edwards Aquifer Authority, 2022-2024
Presented to K-12 fieldtrips of 100+ students
Developed K-12 hands on activities in accordance with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
Managed volunteers, developed registration system to track visitors to the Education and Outreach Center
Presenter and Mentor: St. Albert’s Initiative, 2021 and 2022
Presented “Big Questions in Ecology” poster to high school students at the Society of Catholic Scientist’s St. Albert’s Initiative
Interpreter: Witte Museum, 2018-2019
Interpreted wildlife gallery to museum visitors of all ages, teaching about Texas ecoregions, flora and fauna, and local research.
Field Trip Educator: Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, University of Minnesota, 2021
Led outdoor ecological hike to K-12 multi-cultural field trips, teaching students to use basic ecological tools (e.g., light meters, water thermometers) and practice ecological observation
Booth Presenter: Avian Ecology, Bioblitz in College Station, TX, 2018
Presented avian ecology booth to public, demonstrating use of binoculars and field guides, and explaining importance of avian conservation. Led public in walking bird survey.
Writing
Critterfacts.com Science Writer, 2020-2021
Published science communication pieces on avian conservation issues, ecology, and ecologists.
See articles here →
The Cedar Creek Chronicles, 2021
Created, designed, and wrote for weekly outreach and communication blog of the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve. Pieces included interviews, behind-the-scenes snippets, and reporting
See blog →
CollegexPress Student Writer, 2018-2021
Published science communication pieces on avian conservation issues, ecology, and ecologists.
See articles here →
Guest Writer
UTSA College of Science Magazine: feature piece on wellness resources provided by the university, 2025
Urban Bird Project Blog: biographical narrative of a researcher on the team, 2025
Texas A&M University Program Blog: narrative of my experience as an avian field technician in Australia, 2020
Macaulay Library Blog: narrative on my experience as a field intern in Western Australia, 2019
Editing
Freelance Writing Tutor, 2017-present
Provided timely, effective feedback on hundreds of writing assignments for students across the country on Pear Deck Tutoring, Marco Learning, and Varsity Tutors platforms.
Supervised and quality-checked other graders’ feedback to ensure quality products for teachers as a Senior Grader with Marco Learning.
Freelance Copy Editor, 2017-present
Edited submissions for the National Conference on Beginning Design students for grammar and syntax, 2019
Edited 60,000 word textbook manuscript on architecture space for Texas A&M professor, 2020-2021
Edited grammar and provided stylistic suggestions for blogposts, translations, and grant applications for the Apostles of the Interior Life, 2019
Bird Lover's Musings 