Hi, I'm Claire!I am a masters student at the University of New Hampshire studying plant biology. I like growing plants and eating. I especially like eating things that you yourself have grown. Anytime this happens it feels like a huge triumph.
Here you'll find two years worth of reflection on the work I've done for my master's thesis. All images, photos and drawings are done by me, unless otherwise noted.
Where I've been and what I've done:
Education
Master Degree, Plant Biology (12.2013)
University of New Hampshire
- Thesis: Feasibility of using existing greenhouse structures to increase production of winter grown salad greens
Bachelor of Arts, Biology (awarded 5.2009)
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
- Senior thesis: A study on phenolic compounds in synthetically and organically fertilized crops, using arugula as a model.
Sea Education Association Semester (Summer 2008)
Completion of cruise from Hawaii to San Francisco on the tall ship Robert C. Seamans.
- Studied the correlation between microplastic density, copepod and phytoplankton concentrations in the Pacific Ocean.
- Acquired skills: sailing a tall ship, celestial navigation, operating scientific instruments at sea.
Work experience
Research Assistant (9.2011- present)
University of New Hampshire
Responsible for organization, methodology, planting, data collection, and analysis of the wintergreens project. Two years of research will culminate in a detailed production budget, fact sheets and recommended varieties for
growers interested in growing salad greens during the winter.
Farm hand (April – August 2011)
Assisted in planting, harvesting and maintenance of Casey Farm, an organically certified farm in Saunderstown, RI.
ARAMARK Employee at Lake Powell Resorts and Marina, AZ (June – December 2010)
Vault cashier for the resort and assistant to the payroll office.
Boat rental agent
Interim Rose Garden Section Leader and Intern (June 2009 – May 2010)
Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania
- Responsible for care and refinement of one acre rose garden, dwarf conifer garden, wisteria walk, herb garden, meadow garden, hardy fern garden, and sculpture garden.
- Completed design, planning and installation of native flower garden to attract pollinators.
- Organized seasonal workers and volunteers throughout gardens.
- Arboretum liaison with the Philadelphia Rose Society.
- Plant Identification and Landscape Architecture courses taken at The University of Pennsylvania and Temple University
