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 since realized that I knew very little about my home in the absence of it’s plants.
Native plants are a central facet of terrestrial landscapes and California is no exception. Plants are foundational members of the environment and they are an essential part of what makes 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!) and over a third of them are restricted to it’s borders and/or 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 pathway that will avert the worst of the climate crisis while also conserving nature. Much of my research is dedicated to the renewable energy extinction crisis, and the consequences of a “business as usual” strategy of extraction from nature, in a time that requires solutions that benefit human and non-human species a-like.
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.