I am am a botanist, born and raised in Southern California; however, I did not become acquainted with California native plants until I was an undergraduate majoring in Biology at Cal Poly Pomona. I’ve now come to realized that I knew very little about my home in the absence of it’s plants.
Native plants are central facets of terrestrial places; they are foundational members of the landscape and they essential elements that make California such a varied and special place. From the highest to the lowest points, from the coast to the hottest desert, California has more kinds of plants than any other state in the U.S. (> 6,000!), with over a third of them are restricted to it’s borders and of conservation concern. I feel so incredibly lucky and grateful to have found a career working with plants!
My research and work areas focus on the following:
Plant Systematics: My goal is to understand the diversity and distribution of species on the landscape. Plant systematics and specifically taxonomy and floristics are applied disciplines that guide how people communicate and understand plant diversity, including the most basic unit that is digestible to a broader public (species). Importantly, floristics and taxonomy inform many areas in society including land use and management, conservation, medicine, agriculture, forestry, etc.
Plant Conservation: We are currently facing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity extinction. As we endeavor to decarbonize society we have the opportunity to envision a a new path that will avert the worst of the climate crisis while also conserving nature. Much of my research is dedicated to the energy extinction crisis, which is being exacerbated by the fourth industrial revolution, driven by new waves of technology from AI to the energy transition.
Mentoring: As a person born and raised in a major urban/suburban metropolis (LA area) and a first-generation college student, it took me living the first two decades of my life before I touched a native plant. I now serve as a mentor for people interested in botany through CalBG’s internship program, graduate program, and working with seasonal staff. I also participate in career fairs, and outreach events to let my community know that living life in relationship with plants is wonderful.
Science Communication: Plants and people have an enduring connection that is no less important now than in any time in history. Communicating about their importance, threats they face, while also sharing the joy of the plant world is an important part of my work.