My name is Manuel Hernandez, and I am originally from Los Angeles. I began my academic journey with a growing interest in animal biology and research. This interest brought me to the Blumstein and Yeh Labs at UCLA in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. 

In the Blumstein Lab, I conducted field research on the flight initiation distance of birds in urban and non-urban environments to better understand their responses to perceived threats. Additionally, my work in the Yeh Lab focused on microbial research, where I studied antibiotic resistance in bacteria exposed to prior heat stress. Together, these experiences not only strengthened my interest in animal biology but also sparked a broader interest in the applications of research to real-world challenges. 

Over time, my interests have become more focused on how animal research can contribute to more sustainable and resilient food systems. I am currently conducting research in Dr. David Block’s lab alongside Pallavi Chakraborty, investigating how to optimize C2C12 cell growth on Cytodex 3 microcarriers in spinner-flask bioreactors. This work addresses key challenges in scaling cell culture systems and advancing cultivated meat production. By improving the efficiency and scalability of cell-based technologies, this research contributes to the broader goal of developing sustainable food systems capable of meeting future global needs.