Profile

• Time Zone

  Eastern

  
  
• Organization

  Florida International University

  
  
• Role

  Scientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online

  
  
• Research Interests (300 words)

  Biodiversity is about the variety of life on Earth. It's not just about how many different species there are, but also about the different roles or functions these species have in an ecosystem. Think of it like a school: you have students, teachers, janitors, and many others. Each has a unique role, and together they make the school run smoothly. My study is looking at how different plants in freshwater marshes contribute to the overall health and productivity of the ecosystem. Just like in our school example, if we only had students and no teachers or janitors, things wouldn't work as well. Similarly, in freshwater marshes, different plants have different "jobs" or functions. I am going to look at different areas in these marshes, focusing on how water and nutrients affect the plants. They think that the variety of plant functions might change depending on how long an area stays wet. They also believe that having a mix of plant functions can help the ecosystem use resources better, especially in areas with limited nutrients.

  
  
• Profile Question 1

  What is best about being a scientist?

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

  Being a scientist, especially in fields like biodiversity, allows one to explore the intricate tapestry of life on Earth. In studying places like freshwater marshes, scientists can unravel the mysteries of ecosystems, understanding how each species contributes to the whole. This knowledge can lead to crucial interventions, like restoring vulnerable habitats. The thrill lies not just in discovery but in applying this knowledge for tangible benefits. For instance, understanding plant functions in marshes can guide restoration projects, ensuring these habitats thrive. Thus, the best part about being a scientist is the blend of curiosity-driven exploration and the potential for real-world impact.

  
  
• Profile Question 2

  What is the coolest thing you have discovered or learned about plants?

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

  One of the coolest things I've learned in science is about the "Wood Wide Web," an underground network of fungi, known as mycorrhizal fungi, that connects plants and trees. This intricate web allows them to communicate and share resources. Trees can send nutrients to their younger offspring or to neighboring plants in need. They can also send warning signals about pests or diseases. It's mind-blowing to think that beneath our feet, there's a complex "internet" of fungi facilitating a hidden world of communication and cooperation. It reshapes our understanding of forests, showing they're more interconnected and collaborative than we ever imagined.

  
  
• Profile Question 3

  What is a typical day like for you?

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

  I wake up bright and early at 5 am, greeted by the eager anticipation of my dog, ready for our morning walk. After a brisk stroll, I prepare my personal field gear, ensuring I pack enough food and water to sustain me through the day. By the time I'm set, I drive to the university to collect the lab's field equipment. This includes essentials like meter sticks, data sheets for plant documentation, soil cores, and plot quadrats.
  
  With everything loaded up, my next stop is the local airport. Here, a helicopter awaits to transport me to my remote field sites. The aerial view of the marshes below is always a sight to behold. Once I land, I dive straight into my work, meticulously recording details about the plant species I encounter - their types, heights, abundance, and the depth of the soil and water they're rooted in. Lunchtime around 11 am is a brief respite. I take a moment to appreciate my surroundings, with the vast expanse of freshwater marshes stretching out before me and the melodic songs of marshland birds filling the air. It's a tranquil backdrop that makes even a simple meal feel special. Post-lunch, I resume my work with renewed vigor, aiming to complete the day's objectives. By 2-3 pm, I usually wrap up, having gathered a wealth of data. The helicopter then whisks me back to the airport. From there, it's back to the university, where I transfer the day's findings to the lab, ready for analysis and further study.

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

  2

  
  

Recent Posts

mhsfreemanposfall2023 project 1 Carlos Pulido Oct 3, 2023

Yes I have a sister. She is a lot like you Abi, she doesn't deal much with plants but has come to appreciate them more through my passion for them

mhsfreemanposfall2023 project 1 Carlos Pulido Oct 3, 2023

Really cool Emori!! What foods are you and your grandfather growing at this time?

mhsfreemanposfall2023 project 1 Carlos Pulido Oct 3, 2023

Really cool Tyler! What are some mushrooms you know are poisonous?