PhD Student in Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Connecticut
As a graduate research assistant in plant science, specializing in native plants of New England, their co-evolution with pollinators, and the ecosystem services they provide, I have had to learn and develop a wide range of skills. I have formulated rigorous methodological models for testing scientific hypotheses. I have planned and supervised the growth of tens of thousands of plants for the establishment of scientific experiments that required extensive record keeping. I have led a team of researchers for the publication of a 283 page manual adopted by New England Departments of Transportation to transition to more sustainable methods for re-vegetating roadsides. I have worked closely with and built a reputation among other experts and practitioners in the fields of native plants and pollinator health. Together we have created organizations and advocated for policies that inform legislators and the general public of the role native plants play in maintaining the health of our environment and ecology.
As a teaching assistant for our department’s cannabis production class, I became familiar with the extensive spectrum of knowledge required for cannabis production, including plant physiology, breeding techniques, growing equipment and practices, industry specific pests and diseases, and areas for further research in the field.