As a third year PhD student, I am studying how community context affects the ecology and evolution of species interactions. Currently, I am addressing this very broad question in communities where flowering plants share animal pollinators. To me, flowers are the most exciting and incredible parts of these plants because their often flashy traits like color, spotting, and scent, have evolved to attract pollinators who facilitate reproduction. Thus far, I have conducted a greenhouse common garden experiment, an observational study of natural communities, and an experimental manipulation of these communities to address how pollinator sharing affects the evolution of floral traits in Clarkia (Onagraceae) in Kern County, California.
I think that connecting with people outside of the academic community is one of the most important things that I do as a scientist. Currently, I’m volunteering as a scientist mentor for PlantingScience, an online platform that provides teachers with different plant science curricula and pairs student teams with scientists who provide feedback and encouragement while the students conduct inquiry-based projects. Outside of science, I enjoy rock climbing, yoga, travel, and baking.
