Projects

Diving into literature research to uncover any information of over 250 plant species that are found in the understory of Emory oak groves in Arizona. This database of information collects ethnobotany usages and with potential of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge from elders and member of Arizona tribes.

Assisting graduate student Scott Gilb in gathering soil information by observation of texture, collection of pH levels, and preparing samples for isotope analysis. The soil examined is used to better understand soil types relationship to pectis cactus in Arizona.

Sitting and starting in silence at a singular plant for a ten minute interval, making notes of any pollinator interactions. Best time to watch these interaction is at high noon and ends around three pm. The longest part of this project is driving to and from observation points. 

Assisting a NAU graduate student Carly Pierson in obtaining data from pinyon clipping that were collected over the summer. Data obtained: growth period length, cone scare length, cone height, and needle length. This work is requested by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to better understand how climate change if affecting pinyon juniper growth on cone seeds. There are over 120 bags to process.