When I transferred to CU, I was somewhat aimless and worried: I knew I loved biology, but I was concerned about finding my niche, both in terms of finding work I would find meaningful but also in finding work that would be financially sound. I started off by sending a blind email to a Ph.D. candidate named Peter Innes in the Kane laboratory whose research I had read an interesting article about; now, I have found research interests and career paths I didn't even know were an option for me. My research focuses on the genomics of Linum lewisii, commonly called blue prairie flax or Lewis flax, is a common flowering plant found in western North America, from Alaska to Sonora. Indigenous people have used this plant for both food and cordage, and now there is interest in using this plant as a more sustainable alternative crop to Eurasian common flax. I am using bioinformatics (biology using computers) to research the reproductive biology and evolutionary history of L. lewisii, to answer questions pertinent to its candidacy for domestication. In my research I have had the opportunity to learn how to rear plants in a greenhouse setting, take tissue samples and DNA extractions, and use genomic analysis to get insight into the evolutionary history and agronomic potential of this fascinating plant. Thanks to my research experience and mentorship from Peter, Nolan and all the great folks in the lab, I now know what I am passionate about, and have identified a good career trajectory in genomics and sustainable agriculture research that will not only be enjoyable and meaningful, but also offers financial stability. My advice to my fellow students looking for similar help is: Reach out to graduate students whose research is even passingly interesting to you, whether it be your TAs or someone you’ve never even met before: You never know where those conversations will take you.
