Current Block Fellows

J.T. Michel C‘24

Block Undergraduate Herbarium Fellow (2022-2024)
Student Herbarium Curator

My passion for herbaceous organisms began with a fascination for houseplants. I wanted to feel nature and plants all around me, but it wasn't until soon after I came to Sewanee that I began positioning myself in the outdoors to learn about the flora, rather than bringing plants indoors. As a Fellow in the Sewanee Herbarium, I am within reach of a vast biodiversity of native greenery on the Domain, as well as tropical plants in the Webb Greenhouse. My true love for these organisms has grown into a calling to pursue ethnobotany, merging my greatest interests in plants and culture, reflected in my majors; Biology and Anthropology. My interest in human interactions with a variety of biota manifests in being President of the Farm Club at Sewanee as well. Additionally, I am fostering intimate connections and learning from the native flora of the South through foraging and wildcrafting. I recently received funding from the Garden Clubs of America to support my research with Dr. Evans examining the genetic basis for the spatial segregation of morphotypes in purple phacelia populations in Shakerag Hollow on the Domain.

Nneka Okolo C‘24

Block Undergraduate Herbarium Fellow (2021-2024)

Over the course of my life, I have benefitted from ample exposure to the outdoors and natural world. On both sides of my family, I have witnessed a particular concern for the ecological world as informed by agriculture and everyday life. From Anambra State, Nigeria, the entirety of my father’s side demonstrates a rich appreciation for plant and animal life due to the extensive degree to which they coexist. Observing the consideration given to their actions in light of the potential repercussions for surrounding lifeforms taught me to do the same. Likewise, outside of Birmingham, Alabama, my maternal grandparents are able to sustainably grow the majority of their food by means of diligent maintenance of their land and regenerative agricultural approaches. Here, in Sewanee, as co-founder of the Farm Club (alongside J.T.) and having worked as a Bonner Leader on the University Farm since my freshman year, I have cultivated my own passion for plants through the lens of food and community. As an Herbarium Fellow, my work is directly influenced by a conservationist sentiment given the intrinsic value of plants to our overall well-being and nutrition. I am currently conducting research examining whether plant-soil feedbacks are involved with the suppression of oak recruitment within populations of mountain laurel on.

Keegan Congleton C‘25

Block Undergraduate Herbarium Fellow (2023-2025)
Student Greenhouse Manager

I always wanted to do STEM work and was very driven when I was younger, but in many different fields from arachnology to herpetology. I eventually ended up in plants because of beekeeping. While designing a pollinator garden I realized the importance of plants in conserving the natural spaces I had enjoyed seemingly from birth. Despite utterly failing at making a “perfect” pollinator garden I was hooked on plants. My path to Sewanee began when my highschool’s director described a school as being a “castle in the woods.” This piqued my interest and I had to visit. I was blown away by the incredible Domain and thanks to the book Saving the Wild South I learned about the Herbarium. As soon as I got on campus I wanted to become as involved as I could. Since then through the greenhouse and my research in Franklin State Forest I have grown immensely in both experience and passion for plants. Recently I have become especially interested in the role of gardening as a connection between people and the natural world. With the construction of the Biehl Commons and my living in the Green house (theme house) I am working on using native gardens to improve awareness and appreciation of plant life. I am currently working with Dr. Evans on his long-term forest dynamics study in the Cross Creek Experimental Watershed in Franklin State Forest.

Rob Phillips C‘25

Block Undergraduate Herbarium Fellow (2023-2025)

My journey into botany began at a young age with a love for plants and the outdoors and it has been a source of fascination my entire life. I am thrilled to intertwine my passion for plants with my academic pursuits through my involvement with the Sewanee Herbarium which has allowed me to dive into the world of plant research. I am currently involved in the long-term study of forest dynamics in the Cross Creek Experimental Watershed in Franklin State Forest. My hands-on involvement in this project has provided me with valuable experience and deepened my understanding and appreciation of old growth forests on the Cumberland Plateau. I am also committed to promoting plants and sharing my love for plants on campus through greenhouse events and other plant related activities. Another passion of mine is music. I play violin and serve as concertmaster in the Sewanee Orchestra.