Growing Native with Petey Mesquitey

Psacalium decompositum or Indian Plantain is common in the shady mountain forests of southeastern Arizona.  You can impress your friends…

Scotoleon Niger If I got the species of my local ant lion correct it is by luck and some educational…

Currently I am a junior majoring in Physiology at the University of Arizona.  I had my first experience with the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) two summers ago when I first started working in Dr. Raina Maier’s Environmental Microbiology lab in the Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science.  I assisted in the investigation of potential biogeochemical indicators mining companies can use to predict and maximize revegetation success during reclamation.  These are markers which give an idea as to the activity of the recovering soil.  In particularly, I became interested in the influences microbiota can exert on their environment and vice versa.  Now my work in the lab is shifting to focus on whether we can use the presence of certain microbiota to predict revegetation success.

UBRP has exposed me to a myriad of experiences, including aspects of public health through involvement in its branch program, Environmental Health Science-Transformative Research Undergraduate Experiences (EHS-TRU).  These are definitely insights I will take with me into the future as I draw closer to my application for medical school.

The University of Arizona’s Undergraduate Biology Research Program is partnering with KXCI 91.3 to produce “Thesis Thursday,” a weekly segment featuring student researchers talking about their undergraduate thesis projects, or research projects while working with University professors. Students describe their research, their overall goals and career interests and where they think their research will lead. As well, they get a chance to share the music and interests that motivate them.

Broadcast three times every Thursday with a new student each week.

Thursdays: 9:55 AM, 11:55 AM, and 2:55 PM

Produced by Cathy Rivers

I thought I was through mourning the death of an old friend until an upcoming musical gig brought it all…

This show could also be called Typha latifolia and Grus canadensis, which has a nice scientific ring to it. Cattails…

Former state lawmaker Jonathan Paton and Democratic strategist Rodd McLeod size up Sen. John McCain’s opposition to allowing President Barack Obama to appoint a new Supreme Court justice; break down the latest in Southern Arizona’s congressional races; a few bills at the Arizona Legislature; and the retirement of Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll.

The Loggerhead Shrike is common, but still a fun sighting when your are out in the field. The first time…

If you are inclined to be a botanical splitter, then the plant I’m talking about is Condalia warnockii var. kearneyana,…

Anxious for some early morning light and something green in the grassland, Petey remembers an early blooming wildflower to look…

Petey finds a young abandoned peccary under a mesquite tree and looks up just in time to see a large…