Arthur Grupe
Year Graduated: 
2020
Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr. Alisha Quandt, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder

Job description

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, my job has several aspects. One of these is research. Currently, I am working on several project investigating the evolutionary mechanisms that allow entomopathic fungi, such as Cordyceps species, to switch between distantly related insect hosts via lab experiments and comparative genomic techniques. Additionally, I am help manage the lab and am involved with mentoring and training both undergraduate researchers and graduate students.

Why did you choose this program?

I had always had an interest in plants growing up, however my courses at my community college focused on biotechnology. After visiting a friend in Arcata and walking around campus and the Community Forest, I fell in love and decided to enroll in the Botany program. After completing my Bachelor's, I enjoyed my time and learned so much from the outstanding faculty that I applied to the Biology department's Master's program.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

The Botany program's focus on organismal biology and ecology are what make this program nationally known and respected. Due to the wide breadth of classes covering algae, plants, and fungi, I was able to pick up a number of skills that made me a desirable candidate for my Ph.D. program and my postdoc appointment. The department's strong focus on not only classroom learning, but also field trips and conducting class experiments, helped hone my abilities in the lab and in the field. These experiences put me in a unique situation where I was as comfortable and capable conducting field research as I was lab experiments.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

What did I enjoy most about the program? Honestly, the lifelong friends I made, the countless research opportunities I had, that the faculty respect and are invested in you, and the ability to be involved in research as an undergraduate. I worked in several labs and that helped me learn the skills to be successful in my current field. The field work opportunities are numerous and at each step, I felt that I was being treated as a collaborator by the faculty, not just an undergraduate.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

If you want to be part of the largest and most renowned Botany programs in the country and want to live in one of the greatest locations for outdoor learning, you should apply. While my experiences focused on the Botany and Master's programs, I know that friends in other disciplines would agree with how positive and life-changing their time at Humboldt State was. In addition to the outstanding classes and environment, the opportunities for firsthand research as an undergraduate are numerous and worthwhile.

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