Student Spotlight: Evalynn Schlett

Written by Luke O’Neil, UMaine Center for Undergraduate Research Student Administrative Aide

Meet Evalynn Schlett, a senior Earth, Life, and Health Sciences student participating in a research project at the historic home of Edith Marion Patch, known as Braeside, located in Orono on College Ave. Schlett’s research project focuses on creating a botanical garden, intended to foster an environment dedicated to research, community, and stewardship. 

The interest in gardening started to grow in her childhood. “I grew up with three siblings. I saw how gardening not only relaxed my mom, but also became a bonding experience between me and her,” said Schlett. She gained a love in working with botanical gardens in her childhood, when she visited the Frederik Meijer Gardens Botanical Garden and Sculpture Park in Michigan. “There I found play in nature and the beauty of art.” “I’d later work there for two summers maintaining gardens and working with volunteers and it is still a place I call home,” she said. 

Schlett’s childhood experiences of gardening with her mother and caring for the botanical garden park shaped her interest in creating a space to allow communities to come together. “All these backgrounds made me want a space like that at UMaine: to create, to give, and to nurture,” said Schlett. 

Throughout this research project, Schlett has worked with Dr. Bryan Peterson from the Maine Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. She reflected on the experience of working with a mentor, saying, “My mentor gave me realistic dreams and grounded me to what was possible with the resources I have and that he has been able to give me.” 

She talked about her experience with the CUGR program and how it allows her to pursue her goal of creating a space that fosters community and stewardship. “It allows me to put so much more focus into this project and maybe turning a dream into reality. It has allowed me to sharpen my focus and create better ideas,” she said. 

Schlett encourages students to participate in research projects on campus, saying, “If you have something you think would benefit people, do it. No matter how crazy it is, there’s bound to be someone willing to join your crazy idea and make it possible.” 

Photo Credits: Brenna Martens