Katherine Marlin

How did you become interested in this field of study?
I have a passion for plant ecology and aspire to work in land management and conservation, and I think fire is an increasingly pressing aspect of California ecology.

What is the title of the ARI project and what faculty are you working with?
“Post-Fire Regeneration in a Serotinous Tree Species,” and I am working with Dr. David Greene, professor and chair of forest ecology at Humboldt State University.

Briefly describe your project and why it is important to California agriculture or natural resources.
We are studying the most common inland serotinous tree species in California, knobcone pine (Pinus attenuata), and its long-distance seed dispersal, immaturity risk and cone opening. When seeds are mature, most plants (especially trees) drop seeds, but the seed cones of knobcone pine will remain closed for 20 years or more. Knobcone pine range is expanding and it may become an economically valuable timber species in California. We want to study its germination and establishment after fires and how it contributes to biodiversity and forest health and resilience.

Why are you interested in this project?
Long-distance seed dispersal facilitates rapid plant migration, but because it is difficult to collect data, there has not been a lot of research on it. Knobcone pine is interesting since, due to global warming and droughts, it is assumed it will expand its distribution in the coming years. I am studying aspects of its regenerative ability that may support or undermine this assumption.

Describe your role in this ARI project.
I have completed nearly two summers of fieldwork for this project and am close to completing one chapter of my thesis.

What do you hope to learn, or have you learned, through your involvement with this?
I am excited to understand more about the forests of Northern California, general fire ecology and serotinous species.

What do you want to do after graduation, and how will working on this ARI project help you to achieve that goal?
I would ideally like to work with nonprofit organizations, including land trusts or the Nature Conservancy. I would also be excited for the opportunity to work with the [U.S.] Forest Service.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us regarding your background and interests?
I am a Northern California Botanist scholarship recipient.