My name is Yasin Perez and I am a rising senior at Brentwood High School. I have been conducting research at the Davalos Lab for two years. My primary study focuses on socioeconomic development and the coca plant in Colombia. Using Bioinformatics, it has been possible to pinpoint possible catalysts for coca cultivation in Colombia. While working in the Davalos Lab, I have developed a proficiency in the “R” computer statistical language, as well as, developing an understanding and proficiency with the ArcGIS software. The journey has been long, but its has been a pleasure working in the Davalos Lab for the past two years.