My name is Alli Adams and I am currently working with the San Diego Botanic Garden’s Science and Conservation team through the Research and Mentorship Program for Post-Baccalaureates, or RaMP. RaMP provides a unique opportunity to delve into research concerning rare plant species through one of four botanical gardens across the United States: San Diego Botanic Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden, California Botanical Garden, and the Morton Arboretum. My focus lies in exploring the medicinal plant genus Eriodictyon, specifically Eriodictyon traskiae ssp. traskiae, found only on Santa Catalina Island off the coast of California. I’ve conducted two trips to Catalina for tissue collection and am in the process of analyzing these specimens in the lab to understand their phytochemical production and potential benefits.
After a few months of being a part of this program I have acquired skills such as public speaking, laboratory techniques, GIS, and much more. This experience has solidified my career path and I am now planning on furthering my education in this field of work. One highlight of this program so far has been collaborating with a group of inspiring female botanists in Baja California Sur where I advanced my skills in properly identifying plants while being a part of their conservation efforts to survey newly announced national parks. I also had the opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Georgia, where I met with fellow members of the RaMP program to participate in workshops aimed at enhancing our soft skills. I look forward to my continued professional growth and building a sense of community with other aspiring plant scientists.
If you’re interested in any of the plant sciences but find yourself uncertain about what to specialize in, I highly recommend considering this program. You get a vast amount of exposure to various types of jobs centered around plant biology to help you discover your passion. Moreover, the support from individuals who specialize in these fields are readily available to assist you in your growth and guide you in determining your future steps.
Alli Adams is a current mentee as part of our RaMP program. Now in its second year, the Rare Plant RaMP (Research & Mentoring for Post-baccalaureates in Biological Sciences) network was developed to investigate the unprecedented global decline of plant biodiversity while also broadening the experience of individuals who were not able to participate extensively in research during their undergraduate studies. Applications for 2024 – 2025 are now open through March 15, 2024. For more information about the program and applications, visit the website here.