It is spring. The birds outside our dorm are being ridiculously noisy. The wildflowers are popping up here and there (a bit disappointing compared to previous years) and schoolwork is piling on like crazy. A large portion of the semester grades ride on the last month and a half. For me, research work also piles up. I work in a plant biology lab with Dr. Lyons. The wonderful thing about plants is, there is not much work to do in the winter. But come spring and I have my hands full. Full of dirt, full of rocks, full of grass seedlings, and full of nasty insects. You must be wondering why I even bother. Porsha, who works with Dr. Hunsicker-Wang in biochemistry, constantly reminds me that isolating proteins is more “interesting” and definitely cleaner. Well, maybe it is cleaner but I would take plants over proteins any day.

My lab work specifically deals with invasive grass species that that have been introduced into native Texas soils. Invasive species do too well in our soils. They take up all the nutrients, killing native plants that grow alongside them, and homogenize an entire stretch of land. When the soil is completely depleted of nutrients, they quickly produce seeds and begin the process again in a new stretch of land. Sounds frightening doesn’t it? Well, never fear! Nancy is here! I am currently working on a competition study, pitting various native grass species against KR Bluestem (an evil invasive weed). KR bluestem was seeded in the Hill Country for cow fodder. Unfortunately, it has spread and threatens the fragile ecosystem of the Hill Country. I hope that some of the Texas natives chosen will be better able to compete with KR for nutrients. Personally, I am rooting for bluebonnets. It would be great if one day the Hill Country sides will be covered with bluebonnets instead of KR Bluestem.

Bluebonnet Seedling Tray (top) and KR Bluestem Seedling Tray (bottom). These are currently growing in a growth chamber.

Until then, I need support. No one seems to understand the importance of my research. People actually tell me it is boring. I am so confused… how can that be uninteresting? Well, if that bores you…I don’t know what could possibly be more stirring. Actually, I have some interesting news that might cause your jaws to drop. In the greenhouse, there is a plant that reproduces asexually by creating little buds with roots. Once the bud falls off, a new plant grows. So naturally, the greenhouse is covered with these itty-bitty plants. Well, two of the plants started producing…(prepare yourself for this)…FLOWERS!

The flowers of the wonderful Kalanchoe.

Wow! I was very excited about these growths because producing flowers would mean these plants produce seeds. Why would they need seeds if they asexually reproduce? I think the seeds may be like our appendices. We do not need them but they are remnants…vestigial organs that serve little purpose. I need to do more research. Well, I think the flowers are quite cute so I asked my sister to take some pictures. I hope you find my work more interesting now that you know what I devote my life to at Trinity.

Some pink evening primroses growing by Northrup Hall. Texas wildflowers are so beautiful.