Ashley Morrison 2025 Sustainability Research Fellow

Senior, Agricultural & Medical Biotechnology major

Research Mentor: Allan Bruce Downie - Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Horticulture

Supported by UK Student Sustainability Council

Project Title: "Characterizing SEED MATURATION1 and BARENTSZ Allele (BTZ-1, Protein Interactions and The Consequence of Interaction on Plant Development"

How will this summer research fellowship support your research efforts?

“This summer research fellowship will support my research efforts by paying for materials, salary, and the opportunity to finish funding for me to present a poster at Plant Biology 2025 this summer. ”

Why is sustainability research important?

“Sustainability research is important because the climate is changing and humans need to learn how to adapt and combat it slowly but surely. Different types of sustainable research all serves a purpose to help humans and the environment."

What advice would you give to other UK students thinking about doing research?

“I would go into it with an open mind, a lot of people over think research and what they want to do or the knowledge they need. Focus on finding a healthy lab space in an area you may be interested in and you'll be fine. There's no need to overthink, but instead use the opportunists to learn.”