Phys-fest 1 was 9 years ago?!?

Behold the Beef N Latke! This baby fed me for a whole day. I know @martinebotany.bsky.social tried this beast at #botany2025 and I hope others did as well.

Well #botany2025 you were a dream per usual.

And in the other side of my professional life, last week was the river field studies network’s Rendezvous where fellows from around the country meet to discuss & plan incorporating outdoor rec w/ STEM, I attended as part of the leadership team. This year we met at WVU & worked on the Cheat River

We had to take a lab photo in the fancy lobby before we left. #Botany2024

Time for 3D printing for plant science! And dang @sarraceniamason.bsky.social was not exaggerating about the amount of swag at this workshop!!!

Well it’s been a wild semester/year. Most of my lab graduated last week and are off to bigger and better things. Vicky Stallings (first photo, blonde hair with two graduation medals) won the Senior of Distinction award for most outstanding senior graduating in 2023-2024! Oh and I got tenure.

A research student in my
lab gave me a sword today. So I can knight people in lab meeting. PUI life is fun.

Part of our trip was looking at the contaminated Tar Creek and efforts by OU researchers to treat this area.

Last week I along with some other faculty took 20 students up to Picher, OK, a modern ghost town due to the environmental affects of zinc mining. It was an interesting and sobering field trip.

Another AISES meeting in the books.

Time to look at some posters. I ❤️ undergrad research!

When it comes to many things in academia, I feel a lot like this fish. Salty. There is so much salt coming off me and academia. But the one thing I refuse to salty and snarky about is students.

The demand for treats is strong. Also the cup lid on the floor next to her was pulled out of the trash by her. Lady M is still a fiesty old lady.

Excited to start working with the United Keetowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma on some Rivercane stuff. And look at this adorable baby Rivercane for my office!