{"id":123741,"date":"2021-10-20T13:55:25","date_gmt":"2021-10-20T17:55:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=123741"},"modified":"2025-04-16T17:11:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T21:11:27","slug":"research-in-60-seconds-using-algorithms-to-study-sunflowers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/research-in-60-seconds-using-algorithms-to-study-sunflowers\/","title":{"rendered":"Research in 60 Seconds Video: Using Algorithms to Study Sunflowers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether it\u2019s solving the world\u2019s biggest problems or investigating the potential of novel discoveries, researchers at UCF are on the edge of scientific breakthroughs that aim to make an impact. Through the Research in 60 Seconds series<\/a>, student and faculty researchers condense their complex studies into bite-sized summaries so you can know how and why Knights plan to improve our world.<\/p>\n

Name: <\/strong>Sam Majumder
\n<\/strong>Major: <\/strong>Integrative and conservation biology<\/a><\/p>\n

Why are you interested in this research?
\nSM:<\/strong> I like identifying patterns and applying computer science and mathematics to answer pertinent biological questions. My research allows me to use machine learning based analysis methods to learn more about evolution and how it drives plant diversification.<\/p>\n

I plan to one day write free textbooks on this topic so that more budding researchers, high schoolers and other folks may access this knowledge. I sincerely believe that knowledge should never be behind a wall of inaccessibility and hope the scientific community benefits from the knowledge gained from my research pertaining to plant evolution.<\/p>\n

How did you get started in research at UCF?
\n<\/strong>SM:\u00a0<\/strong>I was hired by Professor of Biology Chase Mason to work as a Ph.D. scholar in his lab<\/a>. I was extremely interested to work with him after I saw his advertisement on EvolDir, an evolution-based research directory, for a doctoral research position. The application process took a few months and during that time we had many conversations that laid the foundation for my Ph.D. dissertation.<\/p>\n

Are you a faculty member or student conducting research at UCF? We want to hear from you! Tell us about your research at bit.ly\/ucf-research-60-form.<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Who is your mentor? Who inspires you and how?
\n<\/strong>SM:\u00a0<\/strong>Currently, I have two mentors. Professor Chase Mason is my Ph.D. supervisor. He is one of the most incredible human beings I have ever meet. He is not only one of the best scientists I have ever personally worked with, but he is the by the far the best person that I have worked for. Chase is an endless source of knowledge not only pertaining to science but also in the subject of navigating the world of science employment.<\/p>\n

Professor of Biology Eric Goolsby is another one of my mentors and an important member from my Ph.D. advising committee. He is an amazing scientist and person who is extremely knowledgeable. I have learned a lot from him in regard to science but life lessons.<\/p>\n

My two mentors are a constant source of inspiration, but I\u2019m also inspired by my mother and grandfather. As a single mother she has always been at my side no matter what. My mother taught me how to be resilient in the face of incredible adversity. I can say the exact same things about my maternal grandfather. He was a chartered accountant who instilled in me a lifelong curiosity to learn, understand people, the societies we live in, the problems we face and how these are all inextricably linked.<\/p>\n

How does UCF empower you to do your research?
\n<\/strong>SM:\u00a0<\/strong>I love how UCF prioritizes research and provides multiple opportunities for students to showcase our work. This provides an incredible research environment, which allows me to not only share my work but also learn from fellow researchers at the university. I appreciate what UCF does and I incredibly grateful for the all the opportunities here.<\/p>\n

How to Get Involved with Research at UCF<\/h2>\n