Most people see lichens as the weird stuff that grows on rock. But did you know their more glamorous role as “innovations arising from collaboration”?!

 

Dr. Hannah Prather (she/her) is a NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology whose research has focused on the intricate relationship among lichens, bryophytes, and host trees. Her work’s taken place around the globe– even Antarctica, where she co-led a project examining warming effects on polar bryophyte communities.

 

 

We talk about…

 

- Starting grad school at 30 and taking almost 7 years to get her PhD

- Traveling for science, including spending months in Antarctica for grad school

- Using slingshots and modified crossbows to get into tree canopies for research

- Sexism from peers once you have a leadership role

- Identity as a scientist, especially when you have skills people deem "soft skills" (boooo)

- Working with imposter syndrome, the pressure for academic excellence and struggling with perfectionism

- Feeling like you’ll have kids, then when it doesn’t line up

- Moving from a student role to a peer role, and starting professorship

- Scientists need empathy and relationship building skills, too

- What are lichens anyway?! Prepare to be mind-blown.

 

 

How to connect with Hannah:

• Hannah’s postdoctoral research (video included): https://www.pdx.edu/digital-city/discovery-trees

 

 

👋How to connect with Jeni and Angie:

• https://www.instagram.com/angvswild

• https://www.instagram.com/jenistembridge

• https://www.itsangiemarie.com/

• https://linkedin.com/in/angie-marie/

 

 

 ⭐Please rate and review For The Love Of:

• On Apple Podcasts

• On Spotify

 

 

Shout-Outs:

• Music: The Kind of Sandwich Island by Shut-ins

• Thank you to The Ruins, the best wedding venue in Oregon, for supporting the show.

 

Follow FTLO on IG: https://www.instagram.com/for.the.love.of.podcast/

For full show notes and more: https://fortheloveofpod.com

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