Interns 2020
Amy Orduño Baez is a fifth-year Biology major with an emphasis on Ecology and Evolution at San Diego State University. She is currently working on a project about the binational distribution of Cylindropuntia wolfii with Carlos Portillo and Niveditha Ramadoss, a PhD student in Dr. Flores-Renteria lab. Amy is studying the development of C. wolfii, an endemic cactus to the border region of southern California and northern Baja California. It is a shrub which produces beautiful bisexual flowers during spring. However, one sex aborts during its development. Therefore, C. wolfii is functionally dioecious. After she completes her bachelor’s degree, she plans to apply to graduate school to continue with her education.
Update: Amy has been accepted at the PhD program at UC Santa Cruz.
Congratulations, Amy!!
Carlos Portillo is a fourth-year Biology major with an emphasis on Ecology and Evolution at San Diego State University. Along with Amy Orduño and Niveditha Ramadoss, he studies the binational species Cylindropuntia wolfii. Carlos has characterized the microcosmos of the dried fruits of C. wolfii, an endemic cactus to the border region of southern California and northern Baja California. The flowers of this species feed bees, moths, beetles and the fruits serve as habitat for jumping spiders and other species. Carlos plans to apply to graduate school to continue with his education to continue with his professional growth.