Sam Ko

Undergraduate Fellow, Pawpaw Patrol

For Sam Ko, nature is inextricably bound with gratitude. Her enthusiasm for the outdoors is both palpable and contagious.

“As someone who didn't grow up being outside a lot, it can be really daunting to breach the world of outdoor recreation. There are a lot of barriers with cost and intimidation. Once in college, I realized that all of these inhibitions are not that deep. You can go outside and have an amazing time; you don't need expensive gear. You don't need all this experience. It can be learned. You just need to have motivation to go outside and be happy in it.”

Wilderness experience was definitely a big genesis for my love for the outdoors in terms of knowing I belong within Environmental Studies and research and ecology. Having the opportunity to do fieldwork and get paid to romp around in the forest, which I would do anyway for no money, is my ideal thing to do. What's better is that I get to learn and do research and feel like I'm making a meaningful impact – but it's also just something that I love.”

Sam, a rising WashU senior, is one of just three undergraduate research fellows on the Pawpaw Patrol this summer, learning from PI Anna Wassel and mentor Chloe Gehret. She is most often found immersed stomach-down in pawpaw patches, scrutinizing each sprouting bud, mushroom, and baby fern. Though the team is only analyzing the growth of three target herbaceous species, Sam aims to absorb everything she possibly can about Tyson’s natural landscape.

“I am so lucky: I love being outside. I have so much privilege to pursue my passion as a career.”