We have two great candidates, one for the Northern California
position, one for the Southern California position (see candidate
statements below).
Even though both candidates are running unopposed, we need folks to
vote (approve of the candidate, or write in an alternative).
You can vote at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z7S7B3C
Polls are open until September 16th, and will not be accessible after
that time.
Candidates for Student Liaison to the Cal-IPC Board of Directors:
Southern California:
Lynn Sweet, PhD Candidate
University of California, Riverside
I am beginning the fifth year of the Plant Biology PhD program at U.C.
Riverside. During my graduate career, I have had the pleasure of
joining and participating in the California Invasive Plant Council
(Cal-IPC), as well serving as Secretary and now Co-Chair for the
founding Branch of the Student Chapter. This experience has been an
invaluable part of my education. I would like to serve as Student
Liaison to the Board in order to help students make and maintain a
connection to Cal-IPC.
My dissertation research, “Environmental and Community Factors
Influencing the Distribution of Pennisetum setaceum in California,”
investigates the distribution of, and problems associated with, this
non-native grass in coastal sage scrub and Colorado Desert
ecosystems. My participation in Cal-IPC has complemented my
educational path through graduate school, as I’ve gained knowledge
about California ecosystems and invasive plant management. My
experience with Cal-IPC has been as educational as my course-work, and
rewarding for my professional and personal development as I prepare to
write my dissertation and begin my research career.
As a member of the Student Chapter, I have been able to do outreach at
educational booths at plant sales and K-12 science education fairs,
make educational materials for the public, help with a pilot research
project for a land manager, and participate in community-building
grass-roots “weed pull” events. There are so many formative
experiences possible for students in Cal-IPC, and I would like to
maintain these and develop other opportunities for members of the
Student Chapter. I look forward to representing the interests and
ideas of the student members as well as helping the Board cultivate
and reap rewards from the association with these young scientists.
Northern California
Annabelle Kleist
University of California, Davis
Annabelle is a 5th year PhD candidate in Plant Biology at the
University of California, Davis. She graduated summa cum laude from
Carroll College in 2006 with a B.A. in Biology. Her interest in plant
movement began at Carroll College with her honors thesis research,
which investigated the origin, transport, and evolution of the tree
fern genus Cibotium in Hawaii using molecular methods and
biogeographical analyses. Annabelle joined Dr. Marie Jasieniuk’s
invasive plant molecular ecology lab at UC Davis for her doctoral
research so that she could pursue her interest in plant evolution and
movement whilst working in a system where this information can be
applied to real world problems.
In the Jasieniuk lab, Annabelle is studying the introduction history
of invasive French broom in California. This project explores the
genetic and demographic mechanisms enabling French broom introduction
and spread using molecular phylogenetic and population genetic tools.
Currently, she is focusing on how ornamental sweet broom contributes
to invasive populations, which has the potential to inform our
horticultural and weed management practices. To facilitate the
dissemination of her results, Annabelle gives outreach talks and meets
with the USDA lab working on biological control of French broom.
Annabelle has been an active Cal-IPC member since joining the
Jasieniuk lab. She helped start the Cal-IPC UC Davis student chapter
and presents at the Cal-IPC symposium and Cal-HIP and PlantRight
meetings. In particular, she has enjoyed participating in the annual
Weed Day at the Capitol, which provides an amazing opportunity to
educate our state’s leaders. In fact, her Cal-IPC-inspired outreach
and glimpse into the world of policy through Weed Day has inspired her
to pursue a career in science policy and management.
Cal-IPC SC 
