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.