Resilience in plants and the community: Engaging with people in prisons and life-skills programs

What separates us from being incarcerated, living in poverty, or experiencing homelessness? The short answer is opportunity. As someone fortunate to conduct ecological research, I often wonder how my life would look without the same opportunities. My research taught me that many organisms are resilient in the face of environmental challenges. Inspired by this, I've connected with people outside academia to discuss resilience in humans and the natural world. I engage in correctional facilities and community programs to create opportunities for others to contribute and share in the excitement of science, no matter what card they were dealt in life.