A plant physiologist studies the physical aspects of plants in relation to one another, such as color, leaf shape, and size.
Patience, enthusiasm, good record-keeping, and good writing skills are most beneficial to my research. These skills are important because I spend some time in the field, but the majority of my time is spent doing computer work and data analysis. It’s tedious, but the rewards are worth it!
Why can some Acacia koa trees survive cold temperatures or droughts? I work with a tropical hardwood tree in Hawai’i called Acacia koa. I want to know which genes are responsible for temperature and precipitation-related adaptations. I use this information to understand why some of these trees are able to survive cold temperatures and drought.
I often work with liquid nitrogen to freeze and preserve my samples immediately after collection. Similar to the browning of apples after you bite them, plant tissues can change color or texture. Freezing samples while in the field preserves them until I return to the laboratory.
I have noted that a drought tolerant type of Acacia koa tree has a completely different leaf type. This change in appearance (its morphology) is likely a new adaptation, or response, to climate change never before recorded in this species.
I have always loved science, the outdoors, and being active. In middle and high school, I played softball, basketball, and field hockey, was in student government, and in ALL of the school bands. As a scientist, I combine my love of the outdoors with writing and defending my research results.
