Lexi Kenna

Degree: Master of Science in Ecology

Advisor: Jacqueline Mohan

Thesis: Invertebrate Herbivory of Trees in the Piedmont Understory in Response to Soil Warming

Awards

Recipient of the Robert A. Sheldon Memorial Award – 2020

Graduate Award - Odum School of Ecology, UGA – 2019

What has become your favorite quote?

There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.

― Delia Owens, Where the Crawdads Sing

What was your greatest epiphany in the last two years related to pursuing your degree?

Scientific research should not only be shared in scientific spaces, but should also be effectively communicated to non-scientific audiences. Progress towards improving our environment and changes in policy is made through thoughtful and deliberate translation of scientific insights to digestible information for general audiences.

What would be your ideal job in life?

“My goal when I began my graduate degree was to pursue a career in urban freshwater conservation and management. In January 2019 I began working as an environmental scientist in Atlanta and was able to finish my degree in 2020 while working full time. I really enjoy my job and can’t wait to see where this career path leads me.”

What was your coolest/most surprising research finding?

Soil temperature does not have an impact on insect foliar herbivory of tree seedlings in the GA Piedmont. This is opposite to what I expected and is likely driven by soil type. The old, highly weathered soils we have here in the Southeast don’t respond as strongly to warming as northern latitude soils. In the context of climate change, this is likely good news.

Share advice you would give somebody entering graduate school:

Science is best when it is collaborative, always be willing to discuss and share your work! Also, don’t be afraid to occasionally give yourself a break.

What are your immediate next steps (within the next few months)?

I’m going to spend time with family and my dog, and actively pursue my career goals.

Congratulations, Lexi!

Congratulations Lexi! I've enjoyed working with you over the past two years while you TA'ed in ECOL 1000 and 3500 labs. I especially appreciate how resilient you've been while teaching in the face of "COVID chaos" this semester and in the spring, and I wish you the best in whatever comes next!

Congratulations on all your hard work Lexi. Best of luck with the next phase!

Dear Lexi, a very big congratulations to you! I know you have a bright future in your work and your life. It was great to work with you. May you find much joy, peace, love, and hope during this amazing time in your life. Best wishes, Julie

Congratulations Michelle, Christine, Dan, Lexi, Paige, and Jon! You did it! You'll be forever the class of 2020 (think of the stories you can tell -- impeachment, covid, fraudulent elections, SCOTUS, and the best part...your degree). Seriously, I can appreciate how unusual your last year has been and I'm extremely proud of how you've succeeded through the various challenges you've faced -- finishing is hard enough without a pandemic, and you made it. You've each done a great job and I am proud of your accomplishments, as I hope you are. Good luck with whatever your next steps are. Here's to a fantastic life -- I hope that science remains part of your future, along with a wonderful dose of personal contentment and joy to go with it.

Congratulations on finishing school, and thanks for all your advice and support this semester! you've got a great head on your shoulders 🙂 you will be missed, so stay in touch!