What made you become interested in plants? “...The first was simply growing up outdoors…The second was when I met two botanists, Miguel Cházaro-Basáñez and Héctor Narave-Flores…they inspired me to pursue plant science.” (2/9)

What motivated you to pursue your current area of research? “My interest in plant regeneration emerged while I was working for Pronatura Veracruz…I was managing ecological restoration projects of east Mexico, where project success often depended on whether new plants could successfully establish in degraded areas” (3/9)

What is your favourite part of your work related to plants? “... if I had to choose one, it would be fieldwork. Being outdoors, observing plants in their natural environments…Every time I return from a field campaign, I come back with new questions and research ideas...” (4/9)

Are any specific plants or species that have intrigued or inspired your research? “For some reason, conifers have always attracted me. This might be because I grew up surrounded by pines and cypresses or because, as a child, I was amazed by “El Árbol del Tule” (5/9)

Could you share an experience or anecdote from your work that has reaffirmed your fascination with plants? “I could mention witnessing a massive bamboo (Olmeca recta) flowering event in the jungles of Mexico, finding Aboriginal rock art in the Australian outback…” (6/9)

What advice would you give young scientists considering a career in plant biology? “Firstly, science is both a career and a community. Find mentors who can help you grow in a positive environment…Secondly, remember that plant biology is not just about academia/universities.” (7/9)

What do people usually get wrong about plants? “Many people think that seeds only need water to germinate, as if you could simply bury a seed and a plant would immediately grow. However, seeds are more sophisticated than that.” (8/9)