Gene currently holds a BS in Political Science with minors in Sustainability and International Studies, and wrote their undergraduate thesis on fishery management and sustainability. Their background is in social and environmental activism and organizing, mainly focused on LGBTQ+ rights and marine protection/conservation. Gene is working in the Scripps Masters of Advanced Studies degree in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation to continue to combine marine science and advocacy. They are very interested in issues of fishery sustainability and plastic pollution, but most of their work is centered around long-term reforms of systems of exploitation which have resulted in degradation of the natural world as well as systemic marginalization of various groups. Currently, they are working with Dr. Rivera-Collazo on a project to improve scientists' engagement with the communities in which they work.