Mentor: Steve Sullivan, Ph.D.

This project explores a century of Miami’s evolution (1924–2024) through the lens of a "witness tree", a 100-year-old Ash tree that grew in the now Bishop Woods. By mapping the tree's biological rings to archival history, this study demonstrates that Miami’s campus has long been a site for scientific observation and botanical study. The narrative emphasizes how the university shifted from purely descriptive natural history toward modern ecological research and active environmental protection, fueled by student leadership and the legacy of pioneering women.

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