Student Spotlight: Joe Zeno

While doing his own research into plant ecology, Joe Zeno discovered alpine plant work and was immediately enthralled with the subject. He then took a class with his now research mentor, and met one of her graduate students, who works on alpine research. “I joined the lab and have been working with both of them since.” Joe now works in Jacquelyn Gill’s lab alongside graduate student, Andrea Tirrell. 

“Alpine plants of the northeast are tundra relicts that depend on extreme mountaintop climates and may be vulnerable to present and future climate change.” Zeno goes on to say that variations in temperatures may affect the plants’ “biomass and traits related to plant form and photosynthesis.” Using photogrammetry and leaf spectra analysis, he can make 3D models to “measure area coverage as well as analyze the physiological performance of particular alpine species.” After which, he will conduct an investigation “to connect the relationship between trait variation, microclimate temperatures, and topographic features like slope and aspect across different peaks.” 

“Research can seem like a daunting task, especially as an inexperienced undergraduate, but it’s important to remember that every single person who conducts research has been in your shoes. We’ve all gone through the process of searching for the right lab, learning how to analyze data, and presenting your work.” Zeno has advice to offer for anyone considering research as a future path. “There’s a suite of skills that research teaches you and if you’re willing to devote yourself to the project, then you will be rewarded with personal improvement. You will face hardships, time crunches, and imposter syndrome, but just know that there are resources and people who want to help.”

Zeno says the fellowship provided to him by the Center for Undergraduate Research will be incredibly helpful as he works on his project. “Receiving this award is exceptionally impactful for how I am able to spend my time conducting research. I plan to put my full effort and attention into this project and this fellowship provides me with the compensation needed to fully devote myself. I’ve really enjoyed my experience with CUGR, from friends who have recommended it to me, to my own experience working in the office, it’s been a pleasure.”