Tell us about yourself 

Hi! My name is Aylin Barreras, and I am a PhD student in the GDPE program at CSU. I am interested in understanding a) the seasonal physiological patterns of coniferous tree species, b) how coniferous tree species respond to climate change and 3) their impact in the regional carbon and water cycles.

When did you know that you wanted to become a scientist? 

It was during my first research experience when I was a junior in college, and I participated in a workshop about measuring forest carbon. The workshop was held at the University of Michigan Biological Station in 2016. I remember being amazed by the breadth and depth of measurements scientists were dedicating their life to, to understand the complex dynamics of how nutrients and energy cycled in and out of a forest. My interest in studying ecosystems has not stopped since then. After that experience, science and I were like a knife through butter (i.e., smooth – like we say in Mexico). I found my life’s purpose at that moment.

What do you like most about your research field?

I like that I get to use my curiosity and creativity to answer important questions. To have the freedom to explore questions that have not been answered, like why does subalpine fir respond differently than lodgepole pine to a decrease in soil moisture, even though they are both in the same forest, right next to each other? I also love doing field work in the forest; taking some measurements in the trees while listening to the squirrels chirping in the distance.

How would you explain your research to someone who is not a scientist? Can you summarize it in 5 sentences?

Over millions of years, trees have learned to grow in different types of climate. Today, the world’s climate is changing rapidly due to human activities, and each tree species seems to have its own way of responding to these changes (e.g., rising temperatures, changes in water availability, among other things). Some tree species take advantage of these changes and grow even larger than normal, but other trees slow down their growth or even disappear from the forests where they used to be seen. My research attempts to understand these differences between tree species and also assess the implications these differences have on our natural resources

What are some of the challenges you face as an international scholar/student? 

Being a grad student is challenging, and even more so when you are outside of your comfort zone (e.g., your country, culture, language). My first semester as a PhD student, in a different country, was definitely one of the hardest times of my life. I had to prove myself I could do challenging things, such as teaching or presenting my research project, in a second language. With time, I was able to connect to other international students and share the similar thoughts and fears we were all having. Needless to say, this has helped me get through some tough times and also have some fun times with them.