Dayana Carrera Saenz is from Mashalltown, Iowa and graduated from Mashalltown High School. Carrera Saenz is working with Emily Heaton, an associate agronomy professor, and Mauricip Tejera, an assistant researcher, researching biomass in Miscanthus X Giganteus for use as a biofuel. Carrera Saenz says the most exciting part of her work is being able to work both in the lab and the field. Carrera Saenz is unsure of her exact plan after graduating high school but currently has an interest in working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources someday.
How do you think this experience will help you with your future goals?
“It provides me with real world experience that will give me an edge above others
my age.”
If you could have one superpower related to science, what would it be?
“To know the unknown or to be able to find the missing puzzle piece of a research
question.”
What is your favorite summertime food?
“Sweet corn.”
What is something you’d like to scratch off of your bucket list?
“Learn Korean.”