Jasmine is a MS student in the Jones Ecohydrology lab. She received her B.S. in Environmental Geology from Florida Gulf Coast University and her undergrad research focused on saltwater intrusion in groundwater and its relation to vegetation change on barrier islands. She enjoys reading, hiking, and finding cool rocks.
What research are you currently working on?
I am currently working on studying the relationship between wetland connectivity and concentration-discharge relationships and their responses to flood disturbances at the UA Biological Station “Tanglewood”. Through this, I will be installing groundwater wells, analyzing data through RStudio, and learning and utilizing the SCANN Nitrogen sensor.
What are you looking forward to most about conducting your research?
I’m looking forward to truly understanding hydrologic connectivity between wetlands. I highly enjoy being out in the field, and I am excited to gain more skills such as installing the nitrogen sensor. I am also looking forward to expanding my programming skills through R.
What research have you worked on previously?
As mentioned previously, my undergrad researched was studying saltwater intrusion in groundwater and its relation to vegetation change on the barrier island Cayo Costa in Southwest Florida. As well as collecting groundwater samples in the field, I gained spatial analysis skills by using ERSI ArcMap.
Why did you decide to join the Jones lab?
After speaking to Dr. Jones and the lab on zoom and touring campus, my love for science reignited. The environment created in the lab was welcoming, as well as exciting to be able to work with other smart and passionate scientists. The research being conducted in the Jones Ecohydrology Lab is very interesting and adding my own M.S. research will be exciting for the next two years.
What are your overall career goals?
My main goal is to become a research scientist in academia or a university. After I receive my M.S. at UA, I hope to expand my knowledge and continue in graduate school to receive a Ph.D. in hydrogeology or ecohydrology. I hope to one day lead my own research lab to study sustainability and conservation of water sciences.
What advice do you have for anyone interested in graduate school and/or a degree in STEM?
Don’t give up! You are smarter than you know, and your passion and drive will get you through STEM. Remember to give yourself self-care and enjoy your hobbies as well. If you don’t already, go touch some grass.
If you were a tree, what kind would you be and why?
I would be a mango tree. Mangos are my favorite fruit, and you can make smoothies, popsicles, or just eat them by themselves. They grow in tropical environments, and as a Floridian native, I can relate.
If you could choose one song that played every time you walked into a room, what would it be and why?
Mamma Mia by ABBA, but also the movie version with Meryl Strep.
If you had to watch one movie on repeat, what would it be?
Everything Everywhere All At Once – “Just be a rock.”
Name 3-5 artists or bands that you’re really into right now.
Boygenius, Noah Kahan, Hozier, and, of course, Taylor Swift.