Profile

• Time Zone

  Central

  
  
• Organization

  Chicago Botanic Garden

  
  
• Role

  Scientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online

  
  
• Research Interests (300 words)

  My research interests generally include trees, soil, and ecology. My own research is currently focused on alternatives to traditional lawns, which use an unsustainable amount of resources and don't provide much for the ecosystem. I am studying the underground components of some different lawn alternatives we are testing at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I'm looking at the differences in root biomass which could affect rainwater infiltration and erosion control. I'm also analyzing the microbes that are living in the soil to see if there are any major differences that could possibly affect carbon sequestration.

  
  
• Profile Question 1

  What is tough about being a scientist?

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

  A challenging aspect of being a scientist is that you are exploring concepts that are brand new and trying to do things that no one has done before. Of course, our research projects build off of previous research, so not everything about it is brand new. But the aspects of research projects that stretch the limits of our knowledge require a lot of patience and tolerance of failure. It takes trial and error to figure out the research methods that will work best, so being a scientist requires you to develop an acceptance that not everything you do will work the first time around.

  
  
• Profile Question 2

  What is best about being a scientist?

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

  The best part about being a scientist is the culture of learning that is involved. Myself and my fellow scientists are all passionate about learning, and we can all share a lot with each other. Whether it is reading and keeping up with current research, or breaking new ground with your own research projects, there is always something to learn and get excited about.

  
  
• Profile Question 3

  What is your favorite plant? Why?

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

  My favorite plant is the Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). It is such a majestic tree with it's tall stature, reaching high up to the sky. The flowers resemble tulips and have beautiful colors within them. But I also think the leaves sort of resemble a tulip, too!

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

  2