What is your area of specialization at JGI?
I’ve been with JGI since August 2023, where I’m part of the Microbial Genome Science group. My research focus is on studying giant virus genomes within metagenomic sampling data. These massive viruses target single-celled eukaryotes, such as algae and amoebas, playing a critical role in ecological balance. For example, giant viruses can help control harmful algal blooms, which can poison drinking water and devastate ecosystems. The viruses can also neutralize dangerous pathogens, such as brain-eating amoebas. My research aims to understand their genomes to uncover how they perform these important functions.
The SLAM competition is an incredible opportunity to share my research and raise awareness about the beneficial roles giant viruses play in nature. Most people have never heard of the viruses, and I want to change that.

I’m especially excited to talk about how giant viruses are a big deal to important policy makers in Congress, such as Chairman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy & Water Development, and co-chair of the House National Labs Caucus, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11).

How did you become involved in the National Lab Research SLAM?
My first introduction to the SLAM format was when I tried SLAM at the UC level, but three days before submissions were due, I ended up in the hospital and wasn’t able to do it. So when I came to the lab, I was really excited to go for it here. I knew about SLAM within the UC system and then I heard about it through emails here. An alumna of the Berkeley Lab SLAM, Jonelle Basso, encouraged everyone to enter the competition and that motivated me to try.

To qualify for the event, I first submitted a three-minute video presentation. Then I advanced through the Berkeley Lab SLAM and Bay Area Research SLAM before earning my place at the national level. Because I have only three minutes to present to a general audience, I made many iterations and presented them to family members—some of whom do not speak English.

Yumary with one of her creatively decorated cakes; everything is edible, including the labeled bottles.

What do you do when you’re not studying Giant Viruses?
My area of research is mostly computational, so I’m not in the lab at all and I miss it. I reconnect with the lab experience at home baking desserts and decorating cakes. This helps relieve stress and I like the kind of experimentation element of it in terms of how you follow a protocol that results in a successful or unsuccessful outcome. Also, my coworkers often get to enjoy the baked goods I bring in, so I think they’re happy with my hobby.