Welcome to the Medina Lab
About Us
After many years at The Pennsylvania State University, the Medina Lab began an exciting new chapter at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in Fall 2025. We study the ecology and evolution of host–microbe interactions, with a focus on cnidarian systems, using approaches that span genomics, developmental and cell biology, and organismal physiology. The lab has now completed its first year at UCLA, is fully established on campus, and is working on very exciting new projects.
Please contact Mónica if you are interested in joining the lab.
Recent News!
Two Weeks Teaching Ancient DNA Genomics at HKU’s Integrative Marine Ecology Master’s
Just finished guest teaching a 2-week module in evolutionary and ancient DNA genomics for Hong Kong U’s masters program on Integrative Marine Ecology & Conservation. Great students! Great fun! Great location!
Can Biotechnology Save Biodiversity? Inside UCLA’s Conservation Breakthroughs
True to the spirit of the Public Lecture Series, the evening fostered open dialogue between scientists and the public. Moderated by Brad Shaffer, the panel featured Ben Novak and Monica Medina, who shared diverse perspectives on today’s conservation challenges while engaging directly with the audience.
Explore Past Articles, Media Features, And Community Updates
The Varadero Reef
The Varadero Reef is one of the most beautiful and enigmatic reefs we know about. Located in Cartagena Bay in Colombia and has been exposed to a myriad of sediments and contaminants due to its proximity to the Magdalena River estuary.
” Part of my research deals with the use of genomic approaches to study life history of corals and how they are coping with climate change. My lab also studies the evolution of biomineralization in animals as an theoretical model to understand the challenges with character homology over large evolutionary scales.”