Dr. Maura Palacios Mejia is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Mount San Antonio College. She incorporates culturally relevant, active, and student centered pedagogy. Her research focuses on applying environmental DNA (eDNA; DNA found in the environment) to address issues in conservation and restoration. Dr. Palacios Mejia obtained her doctorate degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University, M.S. degree in Biology from California State University, Los Angeles and B.S. in Marine Biology & Zoology from California State University, Long Beach.