Hello! My name is Sophia, and I am a fourth-year Biology student here at Dalhousie! I have a strong interest in plants and medicinal botany that I'm hoping to pursue academically!

I was fortunate to be able to volunteer a couple of days over the Christmas break in Dr. Gunawardena’s lab. I am currently completing an Experiential Learning course during this Winter term in her lab, during which I will undertake a small research project to determine the effect of corm size on lace plant (Aponogeton madagascariensis) growth rate. The results of this will hopefully help in the standardization of tissue culture protocol in the lab. Through this term, I will gain valuable experience in developing an experimental design, learning proper sterile tissue culture techniques, using an autoclave and more important laboratory skills!

Looking to the future, I hope to complete an Honours Project and further pursue a Master’s degree in plant sciences. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, working on various art projects, cooking and playing the flute!

I am very excited to continue learning about lace plants within the next year!