I hail from Providence, Rhode Island, but have enjoyed my time exploring the midwest the past fours year while I attended Carleton College. I graduated this June with a BA in biology and am looking to further develop and explore my interests in ecology and conservation. Last summer I worked in the restored prairies in Carleton’s arboretum looking at the effects of herbivory on flowering phenology and nutrient cycling. This summer I’m excited to be joining The Echinacea Project and exploring new avenues of prairie research. I’m interested in exploring the aphid-Echinacea interaction as well as looking at the reproductive compatibility of Echinacea plants in various remnants in conjunction with their flowering phenology and synchrony.