Profile

• Time Zone

  (GMT -10) Hawaii

  
  
• Organization

  National Tropical Botanical Garden

  
  
• Role

  Scientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online

  
  
• Research Interests (300 words)

  In my position with the National Tropical Botanical Garden, I conduct applied research to inform management of Threatened and Endangered Hawaiian plant species, particularly on the island of Kaua'i. I am most interested in studying plant breeding systems, floral biology, pollination, and conservation genetics.

  
  
• Profile Question 1

  Can you describe your attitude toward science when you were in high school?

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

  I didn't have any formal science instruction in the public charter high school that I attended. However, I was always very inquisitive and interested in the natural world - how things worked and interacted with one another. Through volunteering with several non-profit, environmental organizations during high school, I got more exposure and was really excited about the scientific process (conducting formal observations and experiments to find answers to real world questions).

  
  
• Profile Question 2

  What is best about being a scientist?

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

  Some of the best things about being a scientist is the freedom and creativity one has to ask questions and design experiments. It's also very rewarding to see projects through from start to finish. Scientists need to work together to tackle the big problems our world is facing, and I really enjoy the camaraderie.

  
  
• 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):

  Work hard and get as much experience as you can volunteering and/or working with different researchers on their different projects - staff at non profit organizations, and/or professors, laboratory managers, and graduate students at academic institutions. If you have the opportunity to conduct an independent research project with a trusted professional offering to serve as a mentor, take it.

  
  
• Availability

  I am NOT available, please temporarily remove me from the available mentor list

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

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