Laura
Gutierrez
Jamestown, New York
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Laura Gutierrez has always been fascinated with living organisms—and learning how things work. After exploring biology through introductory courses, Laura decided to concentrate in plant biology, narrowing her focus to plant physiology and hormones.
“One of the most engaging aspects of plant physiology and biology in general is being able to satisfy my curiosity,”she says. “I can investigate anything that sparks interest in me. It’s rewarding to be intrigued by something and then to appreciate it even more after researching it.
“I spoke with Dr. Catharina Coenen about working for her as a research assistant over the summer,” says Laura.
“She found funding and welcomed me into her lab.” Laura worked with Dr. Coenen for two years; she also completed a research assistantship in the Plant Biology Lab at Ohio State University.
“One of the strengths of the biology program is that students are encouraged to follow their personal interests. Professors are supportive of our needs and push us to reach our goals. They spend the extra time to make sure we understand. They are pure motivation, and their enthusiasm for biology is contagious.”
Laura will do graduate work in plant pathology at Ohio State and plans to pursue a career in plant pathology research, possibly with the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
