KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 4, 2024

Having long been interested in science and the outdoors, Adamina Bilbrey recently leveraged her participation in the Birla Carbon Scholars program to study the conservation of an endangered plant native to Georgia.

The Kennesaw State University environmental science major spent most of her summer studying a beneficial native plant called the royal catchfly in a field in Dade County, Georgia, and discovered the plant flourishes best in areas that experience both sun and shade.

“Most of the time, the royal catchfly flourishes in prairies, so we wanted to look at what kinds of habitats would help them grow in Georgia,” she said. “After we found some growing near a treeline, and after some of the trees got cut down, the plants shifted their growth closer to the new treeline.”

She explained that the royal catchfly, currently an endangered species, plays a vital role for birds and insects, that feed on its nectar. Associate professor of biology Mario Bretfeld, who teaches in KSU’s College of Science and Mathematics and mentored Bilbrey’s research for the past year, said native plants like the catchfly hold an important place in the environment when it comes to supporting pollinating species.

“The catchfly has these beautiful red flowers and long tubes, so hummingbirds love it,” he said. “Obviously, other pollinators will land on it and work with it. There’s also a natural heritage side of things, and we like to make sure that people who live in Georgia recognize and get to enjoy these organisms which are native here and we’ve got to protect them.”

The conservation aspect spoke to Bilbrey’s love of the outdoors, so after initially declaring a biochemistry major, she determined that environmental science aligns more closely to her values and switched her major.

“I've always been somebody really passionate about conservation and protecting the planet, but I never really knew what that would ever look like to try to accomplish in my life,” she said. “I knew I didn’t want to be in a lab. I need to be outside. It’s weird how I figured that out really fast, but I'm definitely glad I figured it out sooner rather than later.”

Under the Birla Carbon Scholars program, 12 students from the College of Science and Mathematics spend the summer researching their projects, and they present their findings at a symposium each August. Each scholar receives a $4,500 stipend to cover living expenses, and one winner receives additional funds to present their research at a conference.

Bilbrey’s Birla Carbon project wasn’t her first experience with field research, however. She worked with associate professor of biology Matthew Weand on a project that involved dating trees by counting rings, and she spent a summer in Belize working on a marine biology project with associate professor of biology Troy Mutchler. Not surprisingly, she offers the advice to take the initiative to get involved with research early on.

“Dr. Bretfeld brought up Birla Carbon and all these other opportunities for me, and he has changed the trajectory of my career path, and I wouldn't have found that if it wasn't at KSU,” she said. “It’s a big school, but you could have the room to do what you want at the same time and be able to get in there and get involved with research, but also make it your own.”

Bilbrey will present her results at the 2024 Southeastern Plant Conservation Alliance meeting, held in Atlanta from October 14-18. Afterward, she plans to graduate in December before pursuing a master’s degree in environmental science. Ultimately, she wants to go to law school and practice environmental law.

Bretfeld said her clarity, education, experience and love of the outdoors will position her well to use the law to advocate for endangered species.

“She's just too passionate about it not to,” he said.

– By Dave Shelles

Photos provided by Sara Franka

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.