Using morphological features of Cacao (Theobroma cacao) as a proxy for compatibility status
August 2024 - present
Started background research. Updates coming soon!
Investigating floral development in Eyebright Ayenia (Ayenia euphrasiifolia Griseb.): anther and petal morphogenesis
August 2024 - present
Using micro-computed tomography and geometric morphometrics for comparative analyses.
Updates coming soon!
Investigating shade tolerance and phenotypic plasticity of Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana), a federally threatened shrub
October 2021 - July 2024
Sought and received external funding through the Garden Club of America Awards for Summer Environmental Studies $3000 Scholarship in order to support independent undergraduate research.
Researched Virginia spiraea habitat characteristics and population threats.
Acquired field and laboratory experience using two LiCor Li-6400 portable photosynthesis systems for gas exchange measurements.
Analyzed field data using image analysis to acquire exact leaf area.
Visualized gas exchange and induction/ induction loss results using Sigma Plot.
Published final paper in UNC Asheville’s Undergraduate Research Journal.
Presented project at UNC Asheville’s Undergraduate Research Symposium and at the Association of Southeastern Biologists Conference in 2023.
Revised paper for publication in external peer reviewed journal, Castanea. Obtained first-author publication in July 2024 (Volume 89 Issue 1).