Undergraduate Education 
B.S. Microbiology University of Idaho
B.S. Molecular biotechnology University of Idaho
Graduate Education
M.S. Biochemistry Oregon Health and Science University
About me
I am a research assistant with experience in academic and diagnostic laboratories. I have a natural curiosity about life. This curiosity led me to an interest in how living beings function on a molecular level. Which is why I chose to study life science as an undergraduate in college.
During my master’s degree, I studied bacteria that play a role in the biogeochemical cycling of metals in the ocean that are important for the biochemistry of life as we know it today. The reason these metals are important for the inception of complex life is because redox reactions carried out by microbes in the oceans contributed to creating environments that are suitable for life. It is possible that without biologically driven cycling of metals in our oceans, that life would not have risen to the level of complexity that we see today. After my first stint in graduate school I spent some time in a genomics lab studying ophthalmic diseases in humans.
I became interested in insect vector borne diseases while learning about different pathogens transmitted by arthropods during my university studies. While learning about these subjects, I also developed an interest in cell signaling and immune responses elicited after pathogenic infection. These combined interests helped me to find a position that incorporates my skill set and scientific curiosity, which is how I became a part of Dr. Chavez’ lab at Texas A&M University.
When I am not in the lab I enjoy horseback riding, golfing, exercising, and spending time with family and friends. I was born and raised in Boise Idaho, so I have an affinity for the outdoors which includes hunting, fishing and riding recreational vehicles. If you would like to communicate with me, feel free to email me anytime at dpica@tamu.edu.
Gig ‘em Aggies!