Dan grew up in the high mountains of Chiapas, Mexico. Though far from the ocean, he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Aquatic Biology at ³Ô¹ÏÍø of California Santa Barbara where he discovered his two passions: underwater research and teaching science. He is a certified Divemaster and Scientific Diver and has worked extensively as a research diver conducting studies in a variety of marine ecosystems. He also taught ocean science and snorkeling skills to k-12 students at Catalina Island Marine Institute, and scientific research diving for the American Academy of Underwater Science. He gained a fascination for marine invertebrates, specifically observation and study of invertebrate symbiotic relationships. This lead him to his current position as a PhD student in the Li lab, studying the chemical relationship between marine clams and photosynthetic algae.
