Rachel Mitchell, a 22-year-old Veterinary Science major at the University of Arizona, has spent her summer exploring the ecology of the Sonoran Desert through research and experimentation. The Undergraduate Biology Research Project, or UBRP, has given Rachel the opportunity to take part in this valuable research experience. Under the direction and guidance of Dr. Judith Bronstein, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rachel has been conducting surveys and experiments on barrel cacti in and around the Tucson area.

Most of her research takes place on Tumamoc Hill, one of the nation’s oldest continuously studied research sites. The barrel cacti are part of a mutualistic relationship involving several species of native and invasive ants. These ants occupy the tops of the barrels, and defend the delicate buds of the cactus from herbivorous insects. The barrel cacti, in turn, provide valuable nectar and water to the ants. Rachel is currently conducting experiments on the nectar output of the cacti, as well as investigating the dominance hierarchy of the different ants that defend the barrels.

The opportunity to conduct independent research has solidified Rachel’s commitment to a career in the sciences. She plans to continue to study in the field of ecology through both her undergraduate and future graduate career. Support for her research comes from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute as well as from the National Institutes of Health.