Miguel is an experienced Microbial Ecologist and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow with a demonstrated history of working scientific research. A Master of Science (MS) in Biology with emphasis in microbial ecology obtained from Loyola University Chicago. Proficient in areas of microbiology, molecular biology, ecology, and experience with scientific writing and data analysis. Research included the use of novel approaches to analyze changes to structure and function of freshwater microbial communities as a result of human derived contaminants to freshwater ecosystems in both sediments and biofilms.