Born in 1993 in Manhattan, New York,
Resides and works in Baltimore, MD.
My name is Olivia Pares, and I am a scientist pursuing a PhD in Marine and Estuarine Environmental Science. Alongside my scientific endeavors, I have explored my creative side through art courses at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Art has become a vital medium for me to convey ideas, emotions, and whimsical thoughts that often come to me spontaneously, even during mundane activities like driving.
Public speaking has always been a challenge for me, but art provides a unique way to communicate my thoughts and connect with others. Through painting, I can express complex concepts and personal reflections without the barriers that spoken words sometimes create.
My inspiration is drawn from a variety of sources, predominantly from my personal experiences. In my science-based artwork, I aim to provide a window into the world as seen through the eyes of a scientist, illustrating why we are so passionate about our work. This work often highlights the intricate beauty and significance of the organisms we study. On the other hand, my figurative pieces are introspective, capturing moments from my life that, upon reflection, reveal deeper meanings. Some of these moments are joyful, while others carry a more somber tone.
I would describe my art style as painterly, with a focus on playing with color and texture. There are two main concepts that drive my work: scientific communication through art and expressive storytelling.
In my scientific communication pieces, I aim to celebrate the dedication and passion of scientists and their chosen subjects. These works are an homage to the organisms that captivate our curiosity and to the relentless efforts to protect and understand them. I hope to offer viewers a glimpse into how I perceive these organisms in their charismatic ways and to shine a light on the tireless work of scientists uncovering new and exciting discoveries.
In my more personal works, I explore and reflect on significant moments in my life. These paintings are attempts to capture the essence of memories as they evolve over time, sometimes allowing me to let go of the minutiae while preserving the core feelings they evoke.
Through both facets of my art, I aspire to connect with viewers on a deeper level, whether by sharing the scientific marvels of the natural world or by revealing the personal narratives that shape my perspective.
Education
University of Maryland, College Park Baltimore, MD
Ph.D. Candidate in Marine Estuarine Environmental Science 2019 - Present
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón Santurce, PR
BS in. Biology 2017
Research Experience
Graduate Research Assistant | Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET) Baltimore, MD
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science 2019 - Present
PhD research in applications to monitor pathogens in invertebrates in a tropical environment.
Mapping the transhemispheric prevalence of Callinectes sapidus reovirus 1 (CsRV1) using GIS.
Studying the life history and reproductive activity of Callinectes spp. in Puerto Rico in collaboration with the San Juan Bay Estuarine Program.
Smithsonian Pre-Doctoral Fellowship | Coastal Disease Ecology Laboratory Edgewater, MD
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 2023 - 2024
Investigating CsRV1 host range in subtropical C. sapidus congenerics, including experimentally infecting C. ornatus and C. similis and measuring CsRV1 prevalence in these species in the Indian River Lagoon, FL.
Determining if Panopeid species can be a reservoir for CsRV1 in temperate regions by experimentally infecting three species and searching for natural infection in Chesapeake Bay and Indian River Lagoon, FL.
Collaborating with Smithsonian scientist to communicate study results, including preparation of a manuscript and presentation.
NOAA/EPP Intern | NOAA Protected Resources Division Southeast Regional Office Isabela, PR
Summer 2022
NERTO Intern at the NOAA protected resources division in the Southeast Regional office under the supervision of Natural Resource Specialist Helena Antoun.
Synthesized scientific literature on SCTLD progression, dispersal, transmission, vectors, treatment, potential putative pathogen(s), and management strategies.
Identified critical knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research and management strategies.
Microbiology Research Technician |STEMmED II Project Santurce, PR
Universidad del Sagrado Corazón 2016 - 2017
Conducted water collection and analysis from the Martin Peña Channel located within the San Juan Bay National Estuary in Puerto Rico to monitor coliforms levels resulting from extensive water pollution due raw sewage discharge.
Conducted a questionnaire to evaluate the public health impact of contaminated water flooding into homes near the Martin Peña Channel.
Managed the preparation of various culture media and laboratory resources.
Work Experience
Jr. Analytical Chemist | Flavor & Fragrance Specialties Essex, MD
2018 - 2019
Initiated solid-phase microextraction analysis techniques to the quality control laboratory.
Conducted routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, including Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Flame Ionization detection (GC/FID).
Analyzed and prepared analytical reports of flavor and fragrance GC/MS analysis.
Coordinated analysis and training needs with Mahwah, NJ Research and Development analytical lab.
Quality Control Technician | Flavor & Fragrance Specialties Essex, MD
2017 - 2018
Tested and inspected raw materials and finished products according to specifications to include analytical as well as sensory analysis.
Interpreted formulas and conferred with management to determine quality and reliability standards.
Professor’s Assistant| STEMmED II Project Santurce, PR
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics in Education 2015 - 2016
Managed class blog, online course, and grading.
Assisted Cell Culture Technique courses and maintained cell cultures.
Lead laboratory preparation for STEMmED student outreach events.
Managed $2,000 budget for STEMmED including equipment procurement.
Tutored students in general biology and genetics course.
Volunteer Work
Volunteer | Interamerican University, Department of Environmental Science San Juan, PR
2014 - 2015
Conducted weekly lionfish monitoring and census in the San Juan Estuary Bay as part of research for the paper titled “Variación especial en la estructura de la comunidad de peces en un Estuario Urbano”.
Student Outreach
Research Partner | International Student-Led Artic Monitoring and Research Program. Baltimore, MD
2020 - 2021
Facilitated collaboration among educators and scientists from Manitoba, Baltimore, and Puerto Rico to establish a student-led research project in Puerto Rico.
Graduate Student Mentor | IMET Undergraduate Summer Internship Baltimore, MD
Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology 2020 - 2022
· Mentored interns on the Baltimore Inner Harbor biodiversity, blue crab diet project, and project goals.
· Prepared and presented R programming lessons for large datasets and data visualization.
Presentations
NOAA EPP/MSI Education and Science Forum Virtual
· Pares O. and Schott E. (2020) Life History and Disease Ecology of the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus, a Key Benthic-Pelagic Link, in Puerto Rico.
113th Annual Meeting of the National Shellfisheries Association Virtual
· Pares O., Fowler A., Zhao M., Schott E. (2021) The potential for blue crab prey to be a host of the crab pathogen, CsRV1.
151st American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting Baltimore, MD
· Pares O., Fowler A., Zhao M., Stevens B., Schott E. (2021) Life History and Reproductive Strategies of Callinectes sp. in a Tropical Urban Estuary
NOAA EPP/MSI 10TH Biennial Education and Science Forum Tallahassee, FL
· Pares O., Fowler A., Zhao M., Stevens B., Schott E. (2021) Life History and Reproductive Strategies of Callinectes sp. in a Tropical Urban Estuary
Atlantic Estuarine Research Society Fall Meeting 2022 Chestertown, MD
· Pares O., Fowler A., Zhao M., Stevens B., Schott E. (2021) Life History and Reproductive Strategies of Callinectes sp. in a Tropical Urban Estuary
Grants, Fellowships & Awards
2020 NOAA- EPP LMRCSC Doctoral Fellowship - Life history and disease ecology of the blue crab, a key benthic-pelagic link in tropical and temperate American estuaries.
2023 Smithsonian Pre-Doctoral Fellowship - Investigating virus host range within the crab genus Callinectes and in Panopeid family crab prey species.
2023 The Helminthological Society of Washington’s Underrepresented Minority (URM) Student Research Grant - Investigating virus host range within the crab genus Callinectes and in Panopeid family crab prey species.
Skills
Software: R Studio, Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, and ArcGIS | Languages: Spanish (Native) and English (Native)