Kyla is a deeply curious DPhil student, advised by Prof. Chang Liu. Her research aims to understand how biological context shapes protein evolution, with applications in enzyme and antibody engineering. Ultimately, she is interested in utilizing synthetic biology to create sustainable alternatives to ecologically harmful processes. Prior to graduate school, Kyla worked on the Fermentation Team at C16 Biosciences, where she helped develop and run high-throughput screening systems supporting bioprocess development for a microbial palm oil alternative. Kyla earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with Honors and Distinction from the University of California, Santa Barbara. At UC Santa Barbara she conducted research in the Burkepile lab with Spotting Giant Sea Bass, resulting in a senior honors thesis. Outside of the lab, Kyla enjoys backpacking, running, surfing, and most anything else outdoors.