By: Agnes Villaroman

Agnes Villaroman: What inspired you to do this project? 

Luis Orozco-Sanchez: I did this project because my botany professor told me about this position. This was my first field job relating to ecology, but I worked in the agricultural fields when I was younger and I've worked as an outdoor educator for the last 4 years. I'm currently working for an organization called Vida Verde out in San Gregorio!

Villaroman: What are some things you learned from your research? Anything surprising?

Orozco-Sanchez: I learned so much. Lots of practice using my navigational skills and backcountry no-trail navigation, which I started getting pretty good about, and found new sampling methods which saved time in trying to find populations. I was surprised at how much harder it is to hike eight miles off-trail than on trail. Especially when you add bushwhacking through chaparral here and there.

Villaroman: How would you bridge the gap from your research to research users (science communication)?

Orozco-Sanchez: It wasn't my self-led research, that was more Amelia Ryan (a vegetation ecologist at Pinnacles National Park), but as someone who helped with the project, I loved talking to anyone and everyone about what I was doing, and found that people were curious when I told them I hiked all day looking for rare plants. Also, people thought it was interesting there are plants we still haven't scientifically identified right in our backyards! Peaking people's curiosity and leaning into that works well for science communication in my experience.

Villaroman: What is some advice you have for students pursuing a project in a similar field as you?

Orozco-Sanchez: My advice is to drink lots of water and prioritize rest! Respect the sun and keep it fun. Also speak to staff at national or state parks, ask them about their lives; establish those connections as they are so awesome and have so much knowledge.