Maria Paz Ormeño is a Molecular Bioscience student at Duke Kunshan University, specializing in Biogeochemistry and pursuing a dual degree with Duke University. Her research focuses on freshwater microalgal diversity through strain isolation, cultivation, and molecular identification. She is particularly interested in understanding how microorganisms respond to changing environmental conditions and their potential applications in sustainable biotechnology. Her previous experience with hydroponic systems and plant–microbe interactions has further shaped her perspective on the connections between molecular biology, environmental science, and climate-resilient agriculture.