Profile

• Time Zone

  Pacific

  
  
• Organization

  Paint Rock Forest Research Center

  
  
• Employment Status

  University / College Faculty

  
  
• Role

  Scientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online

  
  
• Research Interests (300 words)

  I specialize in avian conservation and urban ecology. I also dabble in social science, conducting research to seek out new methods to connect laypeople with nature.

  
  
• Profile Question 1

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

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

  When I was 14, I learned that if I wanted to work with animals I needed to study biology. I made the decision to study biology at that point because I have a deep, innate love for nature.

  
  
• Profile Question 2

  What is best about being a scientist?

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

  I think the great thing about being a scientist is the freedom you are given to continually learn, and use that knowledge with critical thinking skills to test hypotheses and solve problems. It's also great to be a scientist because the work you do helps the world in some way.

  
  
• 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 Metrosideros polymorpha (common name Ohia). It is my favorite because it has amazing and beautiful red (typically) flowers that decorate the Hawaiian rainforest, have an important role in regulating ground water and watersheds, grow slowly but eventually become very large, and are a foundation species that works together with native birds to maintain ecosystem function.

  
  
• In addition to English, I am comfortable communicating with students in the following languages:

  (not set)

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

  2

  
  

Recent Posts

mhsmirandaaftwspring2024 project 4 Ruby Hammond Apr 14 at 07:28pm

Hi Folks,

It was nice meeting you all. I hope that you enjoyed your project and learned something along the way. I wish you all the best with what is left of your school year, and in your education and working toward career and life goals.

&nb…

more

Hi Folks,

It was nice meeting you all. I hope that you enjoyed your project and learned something along the way. I wish you all the best with what is left of your school year, and in your education and working toward career and life goals.

 

Take good care,

Ruby

mhsmirandaaftwspring2024 project 4 Ruby Hammond Mar 11 at 04:06pm

Hi Folks,

Thanks for sharing your recent findings. What do you think these results mean? Why do you think you got them?

Thanks,

Ruby

mhsmirandaaftwspring2024 project 4 Ruby Hammond Feb 29 at 05:17pm

Hi Folks,

Thanks for uploading the pdf with the updates. Interesting about the Miracle Grow. My first guess would be maybe it got too much, or it wasn't diluted? Or, it could be that the plant species you are working with does not benefit…

more

Hi Folks,

Thanks for uploading the pdf with the updates. Interesting about the Miracle Grow. My first guess would be maybe it got too much, or it wasn't diluted? Or, it could be that the plant species you are working with does not benefit from the nutrient concentrations in that brand. Plants have different soil nutrient requirements and I've read that fertilizer can harm plants if not applied properly. Hard to say, but this is a good example of why replicates are typically used in experiments. Weird stuff happens but if you have replicates (multiple pots for each treatment), it helps tease apart if there was some fluke or if there really is a pattern in your results.

So, why do you all think that the organic plants seem to be doing the best?

Ruby