Interns 2022
Hi, my name is Yazmín (Yaz-mean) Lommel, I’m a second year master’s student in the Evolutionary Biology program at SDSU. I am studying the genetic differences between the barrel cacti Ferocactus gatesii and Ferocactus gracilis which are endemic to Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California. Some of my scientific interests include ethnobotany, rare plant monitoring, resource management, and ecology. My previous work experiences allowed me to work in vegetation management at Yosemite National Park in California and Glacier National Park in Montana. In my free time when I’m not botanizing, I enjoy rock climbing, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and playing soccer.
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Hi, my name is Alex McElwee-Adame. I am a Ph. D student from San Diego State University in the Flores-Renteria and Sethuraman lab where my thesis focuses on exploring the genetic consequences of plant domestication in Hops (Humulus lupulus) and further exploring the population genomics in the binationally distributed Texas Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis). Outside of research, I have been involved in several outreach programs aimed to increase diversity both at the undergraduate and graduate student levels. After this program, I hope to pursue being a university-level professor and establish a similar program to this one integrating evolutionary biology, ecology, and bioinformatics.
Fun fact: Before working with plants I used to work with marine life including prior research in a marine microbial lab and working at SeaWorld as an educator!
My name is Mia Almanza and I am an SDSU graduate with a bachelors in Environmental Sciences. I love to learn about the environment around me, and the organisms that inhabit it so I can contribute and help out in any possible way. I especially value biodiversity, which is highly threatened by anthropogenic sources that I believe should be targeted at root. Because of that,
I’d like to follow a career path where I can help plants and other species directly or through research, as well as target the environmental stressors that interfere with a healthy environment. I look forward to learning from my mentors and peers throughout this program, as well as to gaining experience that will help me reach my goals.
Hello! My name is Julio Romo, I am going into my 4th year here at SDSU
studying Environmental Sciences. My interests include marine biology,
sustainability, environmental science to name a few. I do hope to be a part ofthe
solution for the reversal of climate change and creating a more sustainable society has a whole. Some of my hobbies include creating self-sustaining ecosystems and playing chess, volleyball, and video games.
My name is Anthony Gomez. I am currently a senior at San Diego State University. I am majoring in Microbiology. I served in the Marine Corps for five years as a Meteorological and Oceanographic Forecaster. I am interested in the interactions of microorganisms with plants/animals. For fun, I like to play video games, go to the cinema, and go social dancing. After a few years of research, I plan to become a science educator.
Hi! My name is Meredith Yokoyama. This year will be my sixth year of undergraduate at San Diego State University and I am double majoring in Biology and Philosophy as well as receiving the Weber’s Honor College Minor in Interdisciplinary studies. As of lately I’ve been fascinated with the idea of the evolution of plants and their influence on mammalian evolution, but I’m also really interested in carnivorous plants and plant hormones. My ultimate goal is to receive a PhD in plant science to help with the production of food in a world with lower water availability. Outside of academia, I enjoy singing and painting; I also have my own little zoo at home featuring my cat (Bowie), my bearded dragon (Aero), my corn snake (Archie), and a plethora of house plants.
Hi! My name is Tristin Raymond and I am an SDSU graduate, as well as a Weber Honors College graduate with a Bachelors in Biology and a minor in interdisciplinary studies. My passion for plants has always existed but really took off after my interest in growing and cross-breeding pepper plants began. My hope is to integrate this botanic world into my career in the future. In my free time, I like to rock climb, hike, skateboard, and just be outside in general.