Bio

Kandace Wheeler is a master’s student at Portland State University, researching molecular marine biology in the Coastal and Estuarine Ecology Lab with Dr. Paola Lopez-Duarte. Growing up in the suburbs, Kandace always enjoyed exploring the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest, and passionately pursued a Bachelor of Science in marine biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!). After conducting field research as an undergraduate aboard research vessels, she decided to deepen her scientific skills by joining a molecular epigenetics laboratory at Oregon Health and Science University before enrolling in graduate school. Beyond her research, Kandace loves hiking, running and exploring local wineries with friends.

Kandace is driven by science that informs wildlife management, resource policy and climate resilience. Her current graduate work builds on her background in marine reproductive biology, as well as her molecular laboratory experience, and integrates experimental lab work, field sampling and GIS mapping to evaluate thermal stress on ecosystem dynamics. Her current research analyzes the epigenetic mechanisms driving the invasive success of green crabs alongside climate impacts on commercially vital Dungeness crab fisheries. Driven by strong analytical and project management skills, Kandace bridges rigorous science and practical policy to deliver data-driven solutions for managing changing ecosystems and plans to implement similar strategies in a natural-resource management career.

Learn About Kandace’s Research Project