Profile

• Time Zone

  Central

  
  
• Organization

  Botanical Society of America

  
  
• Role

  Scientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online

  
  
• Research Interests (300 words)

  I study tree ferns in New Zealand! We are exploring the genetic relationships between species so we can better understand their history.

  
  
• Profile Question 1

  What is your favorite plant? Why?

  
  
• Answer the question you selected for profile question 1 here (300 words):

  I am a big fan of tropical trees, especially the soft tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica). Like many tree ferns, it is one of the most ancient plants we still see growing today, and there are fossils of its stems, spores and frond stems dating back to the Jurassic period. I often wonder what plants like this could tell us if we could speak a common language.

  
  
• Profile Question 2

  What is best about being a scientist?

  
  
• Answer the question you selected for profile question 2 here (300 words):

  I think what I love most about my job is getting to travel around the world and see exotic places. I learn so much every place I go, and every day when I'm in the field feels like an adventure.

  
  
• Profile Question 3

  Do you have advice for students about preparing for a science career?

  
  
• Answer the question you selected for profile question 3 here (300 words):

  Notecards are your friend! I know in this age of modern technology there are lots of other ways to take notes, learn vocabulary, and quiz yourself, but notecards work even where there is no internet. They are small, easy to carry along, and some of mine from my undergrad days bring back memories of classes I enjoyed and classmates I enjoyed working with.
  
  Beyond that, just stay curious and be willing to explore. Staying fit is a good idea too; I have to do a lot of hiking around.

  
  
• How did you hear about PlantingScience?

  Colleague/Friend

  
  
• Capacity: How many teams at a time are you comfortable working with?

  3

  
  

Recent Posts

ahsteacherposfall2023 project 4 Amazing Mentor Oct 19, 2023

This is another test message.

ahsteacherposfall2023 project 4 Amazing Mentor Oct 19, 2023

Hello!  This is a test message!

ahsteacherposfall2023 project 4 Amazing Mentor Oct 19, 2023

Hi all! I am your mentor this session!  I'm happy to be working with you!