Categories

CJ Myers

Echinacea Project 2023

Major: Environmental Studies

Institution: Lake Forest College 

Expected year of graduation: 2023

Research Interests

I’ve always had a keen interest in exploring and learning about the environment, and one of the biggest things I want to study and research are methods in which we can help our environment and promote a better world. 

Hobbies

I like to spend time with my family and watch sports in my spare time. I also like to play games and relax outdoors if the weather is nice.

Caroline Loescher

Echinacea Project 2020

Biology, Carleton College, 2025

Research Interests

I want to study the impacts of isolation of Echinacea angustifolia on pollination. The remnant prairies, in which Echinacea is a model species, vary is size, and within the remnants the density and number of Echinacea plants are not consistent. I am hoping to learn if the size of the remnant or the proximity to neighboring plants has a greater impact on seed set, which is an indication of the degree of successful pollination. 

Statement

In my spare time I like be outside with friends and family running, hiking, skiing, and biking. I love exploring new places in addition familiar ones. 

Padmini Konidena

Echinacea Project 2020

Undeclared major (potentially biology or chemistry), Carleton College, Class of 2025

Research Interests

I would love to know more about any aspect of how the world works, because it is an interesting place. However, I am especially interested in conservation efforts in any field since the earth is the one planet we know of with life and biodiversity within that life, but changes to the ecosystems are causing problems. In the Echinacea project, I would like to know more about different characteristics of the plant that are changing through the years with various treatments.

Statement

I am from Roseville, Minnesota. In my spare time I like to run, ski, and ride horses, which are all recently acquired hobbies. I also like to read and bike. 

Manogya Chandar

Echinacea Project 2022

My name is Manogya and I am very excited to be joining the team this month!

Research Interests

I am broadly interested in investigating the mutualistic relationship between plants and pollinators, specifically through plant reproduction and survival. I am excited to apply these interests to the Echinacea project while investigating effects of fire disturbance.

Statement

In my spare time I enjoy being outside whether that means hiking, swimming, or just looking at flowers! I also enjoy cooking and baking.

Joey McGarry

Echinacea Project 2022

Environmental Science and Learning Sciences, Northwestern University 2024.

Research Interests

I am interested in studying conservation ecology and plant biology. Most of all I am just happy to learn.

Statement

I grew up in central Connecticut but have since moved to Wilmington, NC. After a life on the east coast, I’m excited to experience the beauty of the midwest (outside of the Chicagoland area, where I attend school). I am happy to be able to work with such an amazing, friendly, and fun team of passionate folk! When I’m not working, I love to sail, write, listen to music, cook, bake, and enjoy some peace and quiet with my three dogs.

Johanna Steensma

Me and an American Toad

Echinacea Project 2022

Environmental Science major, Skidmore ’24

Research Interests

I am interested in studying Echinacea angustifolia (that’s why I’m here!). I also love insects and pollinators and plant-insect relationships. I am especially fond of milkweed. I want to learn more about doing science and also GIS.

Statement

I was born in Rochester, MN, but currently reside part time in Lincoln, Massachusetts and attend college in Saratoga Springs, NY. In my free time I like to catch frogs, toads, and snakes. I like to go swimming but I’m afraid of sea monsters. I also like to read, especially comic books, but occasionally real books.

Alex Carroll

Echinacea Project 2022

Biology and Environmental Science, University of Minnesota-Morris 2021

Research Interests

I am interested in studying plant and insect conservation, plant-insect interactions, and the effects of fire on plant reproduction.

Statement

I am from St. Paul, MN, and I joined Team Echinacea as an intern last summer in August. I’m excited to actually see some flowering Echinacea this year! In my spare time, I like to climb trees, bake pastries, and read books about dragons.

Sophia Chen

Echinacea Project 2022

Biology and Environmental Studies, Lake Forest College 2023

Research Interests

I am interested in learning whatever grabs my curiosity! This includes, biology(from molecular biology to conservation ecology), neuroscience, philosophy, statistics… I live to understand how the world around us works and hope to discover its secrets.

Statement

I come from the Chicagoland area and have mostly lived in big cities. I am excited to experience summer in rural Minnesota. My goals for the summer are to identify native plants, forage for food and be vegan!

Lastly, here is a photo of me in a forest preserve in Peoria IL.

Mia Stevens

Echinacea Project 2022

Research Interests

My research interests are in how plants interact with their surrounding organisms and environment. And in this pollination biology perfectly is nesseled quite nicely. I am particularly interested in studying how disturbance affects plant pollinator interactions. I have enjoyed using molecular work to follow where pollen is moving in populations of plants. 

Statement

I have been working as a research intern with the Echinacea Project since the summer of 2020! Wow how time flies when you are having fun! I will only be on the team for part of the summer this year as I am moving on to a new position at Michigan State! I am very excited to be around for the next month, planning on getting into some good trouble! In my spare time I like to knit, embroider, bake and practice yoga.

Jared, Alex, Lindsey, and I have now been in Douglas county, MN, for around a week give or take getting things ready for the start of the field season tomorrow. This includes a big supply run. Today Alex and I had some fun visiting five different stores in Alexandria (hereafter Alec (I know it is spelled Alex but that gets confusing once Alex (the person) is involved)). The least fruitful of these stops based on items crossed of lists was Fleet Farm. Fleet Farm was the most fruitful in fun! We had some good fun with their “big hat” selection. Lindsey is the only one in the Elk Lake house who didn’t have a “big hat” so Alex and I picked one up for her. But we wouldn’t dare choose for her so I modeled the different “big hats” and Alex sent photos to Lindsey and she chose which of the big hats she wanted. Now all members of the Elk Lake House have big hats and we all can be protected from the sun in style.

THEN when we were leaving in the parking lot we ran into Sophia! (not literally everyone is ok) What a funny coincidence I guess Alec isn’t that big but still hilarious!

Moral of the story: let your big hat be a personality trait, and post silly things on the Flog

Britney House

Echinacea Project 2022

Morris Area High School Science Teacher

Research Interests

I am interested in studying earth science.

Statement

I am from Morris, MN. In my spare time I like to garden, spend time with family and friends, quilt, and play tennis.

Here is a picture of me (and my husband) at Arenal Volcano on our recent Costa Rica trip.