Finding community and purpose in plant science
For Kit Mount, a sophomore from Carmel, Indiana, choosing a college major wasn’t easy at first. But one visit to Purdue’s Department of Botany and Plant Pathology changed everything.
“I was a bit unsure of where I wanted to go or what I wanted to major in,” Mount said. “But I signed up for a tour of the botany department at Purdue and instantly fell in love with it. I realized plant science is the perfect major for me because it allows me to combine my love of research with my love of the natural world.”
Majoring in plant science with a minor in plant pathology, Mount plans to graduate in 2028 and describes the department as small but full of opportunity.
“It’s very easy to get to know people in the major since a lot of us have the same classes, and professors are super friendly too,” Mount said. “Everyone is supportive and wants to see you succeed.”
Hands-on learning and research
Mount wasted no time getting involved in real research. During the first semester on campus, they participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) funded by the National Science Foundation. Working in the Purdue Arthur Fungarium, Mount compiled records for more than 1,600 African rust specimens. Some had never been properly documented.
Preserving the Past, Presenting the Future
“I really enjoyed learning about how to organize and preserve specimens so they can last for decades,” Mount said. “It was my first time presenting research, and I was so proud to display all my hard work.”
Mount presented the findings at the Indiana Academy of Science Conference and the Purdue Undergraduate Research Symposium.
This past summer, Mount assisted with research in the Aime Lab, preparing DNA samples of Hawaiian yeast specimens to help identify new species. “It’s exciting to think I could be one of the first people to look at a species that was previously unknown to science,” Mount said.
exploring science beyond the classroom
This summer Mount’s curiosity led to attending the Mycological Society of America Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, meeting mycologists from across the country and joining a mushroom foray to identify species in the field.
Another summer highlight was attending the Environmental Education Association of Indiana Conference at the Indianapolis Zoo with the Student Chapter of Environmental Education at Purdue. “I learned how I could take my interest in science and the environment and communicate it to a broader audience so that other people could learn to appreciate it like I do,” Mount said.
Outside of academics, Mount is active in the Student Farm Organization, Botany Club, Student Chapter of Environmental Education (SCEE) and the Purdue Outing Club. One of Mount’s favorite experiences was a camping trip to Garden of the Gods in Illinois. “It was my first camping trip, and I was nervous at first, but it ended up being really fun and beginner friendly,” Mount said.
LOOKING AHEAD
Mount plans to study abroad in Peru over winter break and continue exploring the connections between science, travel and culture. “I genuinely enjoy most of my classes, and for the ones I struggle with, I have friends to study with, and we get through it together,” Mount said.
For students still deciding on their college path, Mount encourages them to visit campus and see the opportunities in person.
“You need to figure out what you’re looking for in a school or major and see how the school compares to what you need,” Mount said.
Purdue has so many fun and life-changing opportunities to offer. No matter what you're interested in, there's something for everyone here.
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