Most scientists frown upon bias; biologist are supposed to 'remain objective' about their research and not favour (or disfavour) particular topics, theories, or scientists for non-scientific reasons. However, these scientists did not grow up on the edge of Algonquin Park with a forester for a father.
Some of my fondest memories involve me and my Dad walking through ‘the bush’; identifying trees using leaves or bark, gazing at the colours of seasonal wildflowers, turning over deadfall in search of salamanders, and checking out the branches of grand American beech in search of a ruffed grouse for dinner.
With age, I established my own emotional connection with the forest. Camping, fishing, portaging, and hiking carried me to new places with new scenery, animals, and (especially!) plants to discover. The countless variety of vegetative colours, forms, and shapes became the objects of countless snapshots with my camera. Plain and simple: these activities, and the plants involved, make me happy.
University reinforced my love of plants; my undergrad thesis finally gave me an excuse to make connections between plants and all the other integral forest features I love. Plus, the field work gave me a killer tan! J I still think that my bias played to my advantage: plant processing, data analysis, writing, and defending weren’t as painful as pulling teeth simply because I enjoyed my topic.
I’m hoping that this blog – which will summarize some new and/or interesting journal articles in plant ecology, along with some stories and pictures of my own adventures – will further strengthen my vegetative connection and help me brainstorm ideas for my MSc thesis.
Hope you enjoy!
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