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Hello Everyone,
My name is Jennifer and I am your mentor for this project. I currently am an Associate Professor of biology and Grand Valley State Universisty, MI. The main focus of my position is teaching and I teach introductory biology, genetics, evolution, plant-fungal interactions, and senior capstone. I really enjoy mentoring students in their own research and currently have three students finishing up research projects on beneficial fungal associations in corn and soybean roots. I spend any free time I have with my family enjoying the outdoors (even in winter), playing games, and cooking (I have an extensive cookbook library).
Answer to some of your questions below
I have always had a love of science. I think this stems from the fact that science helps me understand the world better. There is always more to know, to learn. There are more unanswered questions than answered. It is always surprising to learn how much we do not know.
Of the sciences(chemistry, physics, biology), biology was, and still is, my strongest subject. Within biology I gravitate to plants, fungi, evolution, genetics and development but really I am a generalist and am interested in it all.
I plan on being a professor for the rest of my working career. But what I focus on has and will change. At earlier points in my career, I mostly focused on research. More recently, I was mostly focused on teaching in the classroom and mentoring student research. Currently, I have moved into a more administrative role and divide my time mostly between teaching and work that keeps the department and university working. Next, who knows. I have also been able to pursue volunteer opportunities like working with my kids classes to teach hands on science activities each week.
My favorite plant changes on a regular basis. Today I will say equisetum, commonly known as horsetail. It grows along sides of creeks, and has been around since the dinosaurs. It is a fern but does not look like anything you think of as a typical fern. Everything about this fern is cool. I suggest you look it up.
I look forward to working with you. Please continue to ask questions.
-Jennifer
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Liaison Marina thought this was an excellent introduction by a mentor!
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Preparing for the Spring 2024 Session!
The Spring 2024 session application is coming up!
Teachers, we still have some openings! To apply, log in to your PlantingScience account and locate the application link under 'Resources'. For more information, check out 'Join as a Teacher' above!
Scientists! Invitations will begin going out in mid-February! This is a great time to update your availability and consider adding Investigation Themes to your preferences. If you are new to PlantingScience, check out 'Join as a Mentor'.
We're looking forward to working with you! Please contact us if you have any questions.
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2024 F2 Fellows Needed!
Scientists! We are seeking Fellows candidates for the 2024 F2 Cohort
We are now looking ahead to the coming research cohort and seeking early career scientists who are interested in participating. This is a stipended opportunity that will require that accepted applicants take part in a training during the summer of 2024 and then participation in PlantingScience in a 'liaison' role during the Fall 2024 session.
DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED!
Click here for more information and to apply! -
Scientist Mentors Needed!
As we grow and continue to pursue our F2 research, we are sending out this appeal to our Scientist community: please spread the word and invite your students, colleagues, and friends to sign up and mentor with us! Mentors range from late undergraduate students to emeritus scientists. Feel free to download our mentor flyer and post it in your institution to encourage others to join us, too!
Testimonials
“I liked that we didn’t know what was going to happen before we did the experiment. Instead of being taught something and then just doing an experiment to prove it, we made an attempt to find out what would happen ourselves.”
- PlantingScience Student
“At every opportunity, all involved kept reminding my students of the process that real science requires. This helped me to convince my students that they are really doing science - not just play acting until some future date.”
- PlantingScience Teacher
“It is a lot of fun interacting with students from an age group I don’t have the chance to spend a lot of time with. It is a good reminder of where public knowledge of plant science stands, and a great opportunity for me to practice explaining key concepts in a simple and straightforward way.”
- PlantingScience Mentor