Amanda Peake (she/her), Stinchcombe Lab

What do you study? Through my research I am trying to understand how evolutionary processes and ecological factors give rise to genetic and phenotypic diversity in plants, such as morning glories and Arabidopsis. My research mostly focuses on ecologically important traits—those that directly influence an individual’s fitness in each environment.

What does this mean you do day to day? I spend my time in the roof-top greenhouses tangled up in morning glory vines or enjoying the view of the surrounding city with my Arabidopsis. I spend a lot of time staring at my leafy friends and wondering why they look different from one another.

When you aren’t staring at plants, how do you spend your time? I love photography and spend a lot of my time outdoors taking slightly blurry photos of pretty much any living thing I come across. I am also a powerlifter, and I’m always looking for new people to lift with (feel free to reach out if you want a gym buddy). When I don’t have a camera or barbell in my hands, I’m probably at home putting googly eyes on my houseplants.

Why did you take on this committee work? I was born and grew up in Zambia. I came to Toronto for my undergrad and decided to stay at UofT for grad school. As a first-gen student who is not from Toronto, I heavily relied on the support provided by the department and other campus communities to help me throughout my time at UofT. Getting involved in the department’s Mental Health Committee allows me to help support students in the same way that others have helped me.

As a member of this committee, what relevant training have you received? Identify, Assist, Refer, SafeTALK: Suicide Alertness for Everyone, and Sexual Violence Disclosure Skills.

How would I find you if I need to? The easiest way to contact me is by email (amanda.peake@mail.utoronto.ca). I also live across the road from Earth Science, so let me know if you are on campus and would like a chat/walk/coffee.