Profile

• Time Zone

  Pacific

  
  
• Organization

  University of California - Riverside

  
  
• Employment Status

  University / College Graduate Student

  
  
• Role

  Scientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online

  
  
• Research Interests (300 words)

  I research tropical plants that live in environments at high elevations. These plants have to be adapted to the extremes of these environments and are really cool. I also study Joshua trees local to my university in California.

  
  
• Profile Question 1

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

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

  My advice is to ask as many questions as possible! My motto even to this day is to "ask smart people dumb questions." I don't believe that asking a question will ever harm you as a student. Also seek as much mentorship as possible. There are so many teachers and students at higher education levels that would love nothing more than to help!

  
  
• Profile Question 2

  What was the first science experiment you ever designed? How did it turn out?

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

  Although I focus more on plant physiology these days (how plants work in regards to water, nutrients, etc) my first project was analyzing the mental health benefits of gardening for individuals on the Autism spectrum. I was funded to design a community garden, host workshops like yoga in the garden and travel to conferences to present my research!

  
  
• Profile Question 3

  When and why did you decide to go into a science career?

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

  My first few years of undergrad, I wasn't sure on what I wanted to study. I thought I'd be a psychologist one day, but once I took my first plant physiology class I was so fascinated that I had to know more. I have always been someone who has at least 10 houseplants in each room of my home, but it took branching out in new classes to help me decide that this is the career for me. The further I studied in this field, the more I was sure of it being what I want to do longterm.

  
  
• Challenge, ELL, Honors

  Academically Challenged
  ELL - English language learners
  Honors or AP - Advanced Placement

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

  2

  
  

Recent Posts

pchsmurrayposfall2023 project 5 Gabrielle Kay Moneymaker Oct 25, 2023

Hi everyone!

I am a mentor on this project. I just found out about this program, so I am not quite sure how to help at the moment. However, I'm available for whatever you need and please let me know how I can help. Don't hesitate to ask.…

more

Hi everyone!

I am a mentor on this project. I just found out about this program, so I am not quite sure how to help at the moment. However, I'm available for whatever you need and please let me know how I can help. Don't hesitate to ask. :)

pchsmurrayposfall2023 project 5 Gabrielle Kay Moneymaker Oct 25, 2023

Hi Joe!

That's awesome. I'm hoping to start a garden here at my new home soon.