1. Career plan by Anthony Maldonado Castro
After graduating from college, my plans are to enter graduate school in order to
complete a PhD in botany. I chose botany because it has always been for me the most
interesting and fascinating part of biology. As a person who grew up in the mountains of a
tropical island surrounded by rainforests with a huge diversity of plants, I have learned
how marvelous and useful plants are for the environment. Now, once I become a botanist,
there are a few areas of specialization that interest me.
My first area of interest is plant conservation and ecology. It is well known today
that deforestation and reduction of green areas are major concerns when it comes to
preserving the environment. Considering that the majority of the world’s biodiversity is
found in forest all around the world, deforestation and reduction of green areas means
reduction of biodiversity. Also plants liberate the oxygen that sustains life. They are
usually first in the food chain and are necessary to humans as food crops, for obtaining raw
materials such as wood and fibers, and even for producing medicines. For these reasons
plant conservation and ecology is one of my main goals, and the reason why I feel the need
to contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Another point of specialization of my interest would be plant genetics. I consider
genetics in general to be a very interesting theme, so plant genetics to me is even more
interesting. But, because of the ongoing advances and controversies about genetically
modified organisms, I also chose plant genetics. Now plants are being genetically
manipulated in order to achieve a higher yield and to make them more resistant to pests and
diseases. So far that seems like a very good thing, on the other hand, how does genetic
modification affect the plant? Is it safe? What impact does it have on the environment?
How does it affect humans, and other living organisms? The answers to these questions are
still not quite clear. I would be thrilled to work towards finding answers to any of these
questions.
Finally, as a botanist, I would also have the opportunity to travel to different places
in order to explore plants in their original habitat. It would be a great opportunity for me to
discover and identify new species or to keep track of how endangered species are
developing in their habitat.