Current position:
PhD Candidate at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) and the City University of New York (CUNY)
Research interest:
I am interested in plant evolution and development (evo-devo), I combine areas such as plant anatomy, genomics and bioinformatics. My PhD dissertation is on the evolution and development of the seed coat in gymnosperms.
BSA service:
Member of the BSA since 2016
Other services:
• Student representative for the Plant Science subprogram at the executive committee of the Biology PhD program, CUNY, 2018-2019
• Exhibitor Torrey Botanical Society at BSA 2018
• Support staff for the Latin American Society of Developmental Biology Meeting- 2017.
Statement of Interest:
I have been a member of the Botanical Society of America since 2016, when I started Graduate school, however, I had already heard amazing things about the society from my undergraduate advisor Natalia Pabón-Mora (BSA member). On 2016 Dennis Stevenson, one of my mentors at NYBG, kindly offered me a gift membership which, was definitely life changing. When I first went to the BSA website, it surprised me all the opportunities this society has for the students; in fact, last year I obtained a travel award to attend the conference in Minnesota. That is one of the reasons why I want to run for student representative, I want other students to feel as encouraged and supported by the BSA, as I feel. Secondly, attending to the meetings, I have found that this is a very friendly society, a place where you do not only meet new scientists but it is also a place to re-encounter with botanist friends.
I grew up in Colombia but I have lived in the U.S. for three years, I am certain that with my background I can be of great input not only for the students based in the U.S. but also for international students willing to get involved with our society.
Most importantly, I would like to clarify that I have read about my responsibilities as a student representative and I have also talked to former Student representatives. Thus, I am aware of my duties and the expectations of a student representative. Please be certain that I will be able to contribute to the society and I will do it with enthusiasm.
