For Barry University alumna Victoria Martinez Mercado, a career in plant science began with curiosity and a willingness to change course.

Victoria arrived at Barry as a Mathematics major drawn to the structure and logic of the field. But as her studies progressed, she realized she was interested in something less black and white and more connected to the living world. Barry University’s annual Environmental Leadership Experience (ELE) in Adrian, Michigan sparked that shift as she was introduced to both gardening and permaculture. Seeing how biology could be used to solve real challenges like soil health and crop yield opened her eyes to a new path and soon after, Victoria added Biology as a second major and graduated from Barry in May 2022.

She credits her botany professor Dr. Flona Redway with helping her truly see plants for the first time. Victoria went from seeing plants as all the same to noticing the unique traits that set each one apart. Through research experiences at Barry and beyond, she found not only the tools to think like a scientist but also a community where her curiosity felt at home.

Today, Victoria is a Ph.D. student at Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden, studying Plant Biology and Conservation. Her research focuses on Asimina triloba, or pawpaw which is the largest edible fruit native to North America. Because its seeds cannot be traditionally stored in seed banks, she is developing pollen preservation strategies to support long-term conservation of this unique species.

From changing her major at Barry to advancing innovative conservation research, Victoria’s path reflects the power of following your curiosity and finding mentors who help you see your potential and passion more clearly.

To read more about Victoria’s current research and advice for future plant scientists, click here.