For our next installation in the featured graduate Student series in our Featured Graduate Student Series, we have Lauren Wood and Tucker Munday. Lauren works with Dr. Howie Neufeld and Tucker is with Dr. Ted Zerucha.
Lauren Wood
How did you become interested in biology?
As a kid, I had varying interests. I pursued a lot of artistic endeavors but also spent a lot of time outdoors digging in the dirt, climbing trees, and watching squirrels. I attended NCSSM for my final two years of high school when I realized that Biology was a passion of mine. In college I bounced around between various biology, horticulture, and nursing classes but, ultimately, stuck with ecology because I love having the opportunity to work outdoors.
Why did you pick ASU for your graduate degree?
I attended several schools for undergraduate and finally found a good fit with Appalachian. As I inched toward graduation, I hit my stride in Dr. Neufeld's plant physiology class. Since I had already taken the GRE and usually fly by the seat of my pants rather than plan ahead, when Dr. Neufeld asked if I'd stay for my Master's I said, "Of course!".
What is your thesis research focused on?
I am doing plant ecophysiological research. My research focuses on the changes in water relations of Fraser fir Christmas trees over an elevation gradient to assess the potential effects of climate warming on Fraser firs. I hypothesize that, at lower elevations, trees will have a higher evaporative demand, larger tracheid diameters, and greater water stress. This is part of a larger investigation on the impacts of warming on the growth and physiology of Fraser firs.
What are your plans after you finish your Master's degree here?
Right now I'm just enjoying school and living in the present. I'm not sure what is going to happen after I get my Master's but I'm open to new opportunities and hope for the best.
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Tucker Munday
How did you become interested in biology?
My passion for biology started in High School. I had a wonderful senior teacher, Mrs. Lisa Williams, who inspired me to think about life outside the box and make connections about the various aspects of biology. I grew fond of the subject of biology, and ultimately learned how rewarding it can be.
Why did you pick ASU for your graduate degree?
I choose Appalachian State because I loved the campus nestled in the mountains, and the small town atmosphere Boone offers. Completing my undergrad here at App as well, I developed a relationship with Dr. Ted Zerucha, my major undergraduate adviser, along with other members of the biology department. He was gracious enough to accept me into his lab, and it's been great ever since.
What is your thesis research focused on?
In the Zerucha lab we focus on embryonic development. More specifically, I looked at how the Meis gene is being regulated by associated downstream Meis gene enhancers during development. My favorite part of my research was micro-injecting zebrafish embryos with enhancers attached to the eGFP gene, and then using confocal microscopy to visualize where my enhancer was directing Meis during development.
What are your plans after you finish your Master's degree here?
I am currently pursuing a career teaching at the community college level in Charlotte. The Master's program here gave me the wonderful opportunity to teach biology, and I fell in love with it. I come from a family with a long history of teaching, and I think it would be a great way to give back to the community I live in. I would like to inspire students in biology the same way my teachers over the years inspired me.
Lauren Wood and Tucker Munday
