About

Mélise is an ecologist turned neuroscientist whose postdoctoral research will focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms which allow cetaceans (whales and dolphins) to thrive in extreme environments.

For example, sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are a long-lived species with the largest brains on earth. They spend the majority of their lives hunting for giant squid and other prey at or near the bottom of the ocean—anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 feet deep! These deep dives put tremendous pressure on the whales; their bodies and brains have adapted to these extreme conditions over the course of millions of years. During a deep dive, their rib cages and lungs collapse under the pressure while an array of physiological specializations allow for increased oxygen capacity in tissue and muscle. These dives can last up to several hours, yet little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these cetacean adaptations against hypoxia, cancer, and even aging—especially in the brain.

The goal of my project is to uncover likely mechanisms by which cetaceans have adapted their brains and bodies to extreme environments, and to test these mechanisms in vitro.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Unfortunately, I am not currently taking on new students for mentorship. During my postdoc, I will be working to revive MUSE’s mentorship program with a focus on students in my local area (SF). If you are interested in finding a mentor, please see organizations like Black in Neuro, Black Women in Computational Bio, Cientifico Latino, and other programs listed on the Cientifico Latino website. Thank you very much for your understanding.

  • While I am flattered, I am just one person who is routinely asked this question by dozens to hundreds of people each year. This burden is not equally affecting all scholars in STEM—racially overrepresented scholars in STEM do not face the same burdens as scholars who are racially underrepresented. DEI work is disproportionately done by Black, Native, and underrepresented Brown people and without pay. Instead of picking people’s minds for free, please pay someone for their expertise and time, which shows a respect to the field (humanities, science, psychology, research, etc) as well as respect for their time and expertise. I am happy to serve as a consultant in exchange for payment for my labor. Thank you for understanding.

  • Yes! I am especially interested in service work that centers Black and Native people globally, as well as collaborations in cetacean research. I am keen to join explorations, dive with whales to observe their behavior in the wild, and to work with researchers who spend time in the ocean as well. I would especially love to work with underwater photographers and videographers who focus on cetaceans.