I am curious about how the biological world works, and I want to share that curiosity with everyone.
I am curious about how the biological world works, and I want to share that curiosity with everyone.
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My name is Dusty Prater, and I use He/Him pronouns. Born and raised in Notchy Creek, Tennessee, my love for the natural world and all life forms was instilled in me from a young age. As I have grown and learned more about the fascinating world we find ourselves in, I also discovered my passion for ferns and for communicating science to a wide range of audiences.
Education
Education
Here's a screen shot of one of my skits about Lab Safety with Dr. Pastor. How many lab safety violations do you see in this picture? (Photo Credit: Angie Tucker).
Education at Roane State
Education at Roane State
I started my academic adventure at Roane State Community College by majoring in Biology. During my time there, I took a wide variety of courses and learned many valuable skills; I was even awarded the General Biology Award, the General Chemistry Award, the Freshman Calculus Award, and the Outstanding Freshman Award.
Although I was dedicated to my academics, I also prioritized having fun and new experiences. I participated in the Chemistry Club, going on fun trips to places like Oak Ridge National Labs and the K-25 History Center. I was also the Secretary of the local chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors society. (psst, for more on this see the Volunteering section).
But all good things must come to an end, and I graduated from Roane State, Summa Cum Laude, with an Associate's Degree in Biology.
Education at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Education at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
When I graduated from Roane State, I immediately knew that I wanted to continue my studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Although Roane State had a great biology curriculum, it didn't satisfy my need to understand biology on the largest and longest time scales, so I chose to major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
In my field of study, I have learned how to analyze, describe, model, and communicate information about complex biological systems. Some of the highlights from my undergraduate courses include, Astrobiology, Biostatistics, Invasion Biology, Immunology, Field Botany, Plant Diversity and Evolution, Macroevolution, Writing about Science and Medicine, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, and Evolution, Disease, and Medicine.
As you can probably tell, I am a jack of all trades and master of some. I enjoying learning new things, and I love seeing how it all fits together. For instance, the same principles that help determine if a species will become invasive mirror the principles of infections and host immune response and the principles of planetary protection- which help us determine what microbes may be hitchhiking on our spacecraft.
I eventually graduated Summa Cum Laude with my Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences with a focus in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Here I am at UTK with, my good friend, Whitney's puppy. Go Vols! (Photo Credit: Whitney Hunter).
Here I am with fellow Grad Student, Tonika, doing some serious field work. Go Vols! (Photo Credit: Layla Dishman).
Current Education
Current Education
As soon as I thought my time at UTK was done, a wonderful opportunity presented itself. I was offered a chance to attend the Doctoral Program in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and study under Dr. Jacob Suissa- a fern ecophysiologist.
My current research interest focus on the ecophysiology, population genetics, and biogeography of a far-flung fern: Onoclea sensibilis, the sensitive fern (for more specifics click the button below). In addition to my research, I am a teaching assistant to a group of freshmen undergraduates.
Recreation
Recreation
I am an avid field biologist. I hike all over Tennessee, taking photos of whatever I find interesting.
Although my formal university training is in Botany, I enjoy hiking with biologists with different areas of expertise, such as my Mycologist friend who pointed out the weird mushroom on the slideshow. Although these hikes are mainly recreational, I still manage to make them productive. I mainly do this through identifying, documenting, and educating others about native and invasive flora.
When I am not in the field, I enjoy hanging out with friends or relaxing at home.
You can find me and my friends exploring local shops, visiting the Knoxville Zoo (check out the cool tiger picture I got) or Ripley's Aquarium, discussing philosophy, or playing games, like Dungeons and Dragons or Rook.
However, as a terminal introvert, I enjoy my solitude. My ideal relaxing day consist of reading, painting on a canvas (or upcycling an old mirror), or watching a good movie.
Outreach and Broader Impacts
Outreach and Broader Impacts
Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa
I also enjoy giving whatever time I can to help out my local chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, PTK.
I joined PTK during my first year at Roane State, thanks to a bit of arm twisting by the advisor, Claudia Cummings. But I am glad she convinced me to join. I joined an elite group of students, from diverse backgrounds, who all share my passion for academics and for helping out the community.
During my time as an officer, I served as the Secretary- keeping the chapter on track to meet its many goals and projects- and helped out wherever I could. After serving a full term as Secretary, I stepped down and helped the next two years of Officer Teams. To see what all we have done check out the links below.
Here I am after redecorating our club's board at RSCC. Pictured left to right, Dusty, Deborah, and Claudia. (Photo Credit: Angie Tucker)
Work Experience
Work Experience
My fellow tutor, Madison, and I in photoshopped glory for some chemistry tutoring promotional.
I have had the ultimate pleasure of working at Roane State's Learning Center for several years.
I work with an amazing team of tutors with various backgrounds and specialties. I help students understand the beauty of mathematics and chemistry, the intricacies of literature, and the story of life on earth. Specifically, I help students with course such as, General Biology 1&2, Microbiology, Introduction to Chemistry, General Chemistry 1&2, Organic Chemistry 1&2, various chemical engineering tech College Algebra, Precalculus, Applied Calculus, Calculus 1&2, Introductory Statistics, Composition 1&2, and various advanced literature courses.
In addition to helping students one-on-one, I work with various professors, such as Claudia Cummings and Dr. Sylvia Pastor, to develop embedded tutoring, where I am enrolled in a class and work to create study materials and group study sessions tailored to class needs.
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