I was born in Colombia and moved to the United States in 2005. Throughout my schooling, I have had the opportunity to take part in many science-related programs, like JHT Inc., an experience sponsored by NASA. Since then, my curiosity has driven me to find answers to some of Life’s mysteries. During the summer of 2009 I began doing my own research at home to learn about genetics. Just like Gregor Mendel had crossed pea plants, I wanted to do the same, but with the Venus Flytrap. Because of its ability to grow fast, I became aware of tissue culturing. A year later, I had my first success in germinating seeds in vitro from my own cross of Venus Flytraps. I have also been able study their phenotypes by ex-plant tissue-culturing. I have a collection of more than 3000 carnivorous plants ranging from the famous Dionea muscipula (Venus Flytrap) to the rare Heliamphora. I am currently a junior at Cary High School and my interests include genetic engineering, microbiology, botany, and biology. In Dr. Carbone's lab, I assist Rodrigo Olarte with several of his projects on Aspergillus flavus.