Daniel Muñoz ’26

Daniel Muñoz ’26 helped conduct comprehensive research and co-authored a scientific study on its findings, “Host-associated mitochondrial structure and broad geographic connectivity in Drepanocephalus associated with migratory cormorants,” recently published in the Dec. 2026 International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife.

Funded by the National Science Foundation, Muñoz assisted professors Erika Ebbs and Stephen Harris in studying the genetic makeup of flatworms that infect cormorants, a type of waterbird. Their research shed light on the parasites’ origins and how they relate to similar parasites found in waterbirds across the country.

The study was part of Muñoz’s senior project that used cutting-edge scientific methods, including genomic sequencing, analysis, and interpretation, and was presented at Purchase’s Annual James Utter Natural and Social Sciences Student Research Symposium and the SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference in Syracuse, NY. 

After gaining experience at White Plains Hospital and conducting research at NYU School of Medicine, he was asked whether his plans involve research or patient care.

“I’m more in favor of patient care. It’s a lot more fulfilling, because no matter what I feel or what happened, at least I did something to improve people’s lives that day.”

Muñoz scored well on his MCAT exams (Medical College Admission Test) and plans to apply to medical school in spring 2027.