Virginia van Vianen
Profile
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Time ZoneEastern
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OrganizationMichigan Technological University
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RoleScientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online
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Research Interests (300 words)Currently, I'm interested in a broad variety of plants! In summer 2015, I completed an independent research project studying the effects of nitrogen and insect herbivory on plant fitness, and the effects of nitrogen on herbivory in 4 native wildflower species. In summer 2016, I mapped the aquatic plants in a lake and studied the best way to manage for invasives and an active fishery.
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Profile Question 1Can you describe your attitude toward science when you were in high school?
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Answer the question you selected for profile question 1 here (300 words):When I was in high school, I loved science! However, my interests have changed since then. I participated in Science Olympiad, which made me see science in a new light. My success in the event Fossils led me to want to study Paleontology, though the event Ornithology made me interested in birdwatching. I also loved Forensics, probably because I watched a lot of detective shows! I read lots of science blogs and would often stump my teachers when I would ask them questions about the research I was learning about.
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Profile Question 2What is your favorite plant? Why?
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Answer the question you selected for profile question 2 here (300 words):Many of my favorite plants are aquatic species! One of my favorite species is Duckweed- one of the smallest aquatic plant species. Each individual plant is no bigger than a pencil eraser. Duckweed is also a truly floating plant- it has short roots no greater than half an inch that dangle into the water. I love how unique Duckweed is- you can find it growing all over a lake, not just in the littoral zone.
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Profile Question 3What is best about being a scientist?
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Answer the question you selected for profile question 3 here (300 words):I love how I'm always exploring and getting to learn new things! Field work is definitely one of my favorite parts of science- I got to spend a week this summer working on a kayak to find aquatic plants. I love getting to hike and look around to find elusive species. And I love doing planting and restoration work to know I'm helping to improve the environment. I also love what fantastic people scientists are- so many people that I've worked with have helped me substantially and go out of their way to do it on occasion.
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AvailabilityI am NOT available, please temporarily remove me from the available mentor list
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Capacity: How many teams at a time are you comfortable working with?2
Recent Posts
Bat Boyz
Virginia van Vianen
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving break! How have your plants been doing?
Bat Boyz
Virginia van Vianen
I really enjoyed Skyping with you this morning, even though we had some technical difficulties. I hope you all have a good Thanksgiving and that your plants are doing well when you return!
Skills & Endorsements
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