One University of New Mexico Ph.D. student, Joseph Kleinkopf, has recently made headlines by winning The American Institute of Biological Sciences' (AIBS) annual Faces of Biology Photo Contest. Kleinkopf's winning photo captured him in action atop Sheepshead Peak, collecting alpine plant specimens for his fieldwork in UNM's Biology Department.
Kleinkopf expressed his surprise at winning the competition, stating, "I was surprised to win, because there are a lot of really cool science photos. At the same time, it's a really cool photo." He also highlighted the importance of exploring unknown areas for biological studies, saying, "One of the reasons for visiting this area is actually that we didn't know what we would find. Now we have a better idea of what grows there."
The AIBS contest aims to showcase the diverse forms of biological research through photography, inspiring scientists and educators to communicate their work effectively. Kleinkopf's winning photo earned him a cash prize of $250 and a year's subscription to Bioscience publication.
Reflecting on his fieldwork experience, Kleinkopf explained, "Fieldwork is different for everyone and depends on the questions of interest. Because we are interested in the overall floristic diversity of alpine summit communities, our process involves climbing to the highest point of each mountain and mapping out each site within the alpine habitat we want to visit."
Acknowledging the support he received, Kleinkopf expressed his gratitude to his mentors and colleagues, stating, "I'm grateful to have won the award, but more grateful to the people without whom this work wouldn't be possible: Dr. Hannah Marx, and Harpo Faust, are amazing mentors who have taught me a lot about fieldwork and research." He also thanked the field techs, lab members, and his loved ones for their support throughout his journey.
Kleinkopf's dedication to plant biodiversity and evolution, along with his collaborative project "50 Peaks Project" with advisor Dr. Hannah Marx, showcases his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field of biology.
