Part of the Pollinator Team with the Echinacea Project 2023
Natural Resource Management major, North Dakota State University, ’23
Pronouns: she/her
Research Interests
I am interested in entomology and botany. Particularly, I studied monarch butterflies, milkweed, and other flowering non-grass plants within mixed-grass prairies managed with various grazing strategies such as patch-burn grazing, and now I am extending my experience towards bees in tall-grass prairie. I am excited to learn new plants, identify bee species, and lead the pollinator team!
Statement
I am originally from Lakeville, MN. I went to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN for my B.S. degree in environmental science, and then went on to pursue a M.S. in natural resource management through North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.
In my spare time I like to watch bad dating shows, paint, thrift shop, and spend time with my cat.
Biology and Environmental Science, University of Minnesota-Morris, graduated 2021
Pronouns: she/her
Here’s me with my friend Collins the GPS
Research Interests
I enjoy studying the effects of prescribed fire on plants. I’m currently investigating the influence of smoke on Echinaceaangustifolia.
Statement
I’m from St. Paul, Minnesota, and in my spare time I like to climb trees, play board games about birds, visit new bakeries, and read books about dragons.
Northwestern University, MS in Plant Biology in Conservation, expected spring 2024
Pronouns: she/her
Research Interests
When we talk about plants benefitting from prescribed burns, we often think of increased flowering rates following a fire. Often, this effect is attributed to advantageous post-burn growing conditions, like more light, increased nutrient availability, and reduced competition. However, in our prairies, while many species do exhibit fire-stimulated flowering, some don’t, which doesn’t make sense using this physiological explanation! Why would some species take advantage of these better growing conditions while others decide not to?
My research takes a closer look at the reasons for fire-stimulated flowering and considers whether it could be a heritable trait, a built in behavior passed down through the generations. I’ll be primarily working in the experimental plots where we can compare the flowering rates of different families across years. I’m very excited to get out in the field and work toward learning more about this big question!
Statement
I’m from Chanhassen, Minnesota, and love living and working in this neck o’ the woods (or prairie). In my free time I like to fish (catch and eat, yumm), explore, camp, play board/card games, and cook with friends.
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.
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.
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.
This is me at a boardwalk with marsh, prarie, and forest habitats. This is me skiing at Carleton
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.
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.
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.
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.
