Dan grew up in the high mountains of Chiapas, Mexico. Though far from the ocean, he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Aquatic Biology at University of California Santa Barbara where he discovered his two passions: underwater research and teaching science. He is a certified Divemaster and Scientific Diver and has worked extensively as a research diver conducting studies in a variety of marine ecosystems. He also taught ocean science and snorkeling skills to k-12 students at Catalina Island Marine Institute, and scientific research diving for the American Academy of Underwater Science. He gained a fascination for marine invertebrates, specifically observation and study of invertebrate symbiotic relationships. This lead him to his current position as a PhD student in the Li lab, studying the chemical relationship between marine clams and photosynthetic algae.
