Brenna is a talented artist who loves all things outdoors, metal music and cats. With a short attention span and nonchalant attitude, she bounces from place to place, stopping and restarting school several times. That is, until the complex world of microbiology caught her eye.
Now an environmental science major, she researches the intricate processes of little-known microbes in our soil with assistant professor Dr. Paul Carini. Because of her unconventional path, Brenna remains audacious in the face of unforeseen setbacks and feels empowered by science. She wants to solve grand environmental challenges, starting with understanding the microbes beneath our feet.
This story was made possible in partnership with the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona.
External support for the Carini lab is provided by the National Critical Zone Observatory Program (National Science Foundation) and Joint Genome Institute (Department of Energy).
Producer/Photographer/Editor: Sandra Westdahl
Drone Photographer/Second Camera: Cody Sheehy
Sound Mix: Galen McCaw
Assistant Camera: John Casamasa & Angel Marquez
Communications: Caroline Mosley