From Creeks to Climate: Dr. Mary Poteet on Ecology, Research, and Finding Your Path in Science

What can a creek tell us about the impact humans are having on our planet?In this episode of Her Path to Success, I sit down with Dr. Mary Poteet, Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Poteet studies how aquatic ecosystems respond to human-driven disturbances, from urbanization and rising temperatures to climate change and water availability.We talk about her path from studying biological sciences and civil engineering to earning her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology, her research on urban creek ecosystems and vulnerable species, and the importance of getting students involved in real scientific research early in their careers. Dr. Poteet also shares her perspective on mentorship, navigating an interdisciplinary career, and what she hopes the next generation of scientists will bring to environmental research.Whether you're interested in ecology, environmental science, climate change, or simply figuring out where your own curiosity might lead, this conversation is a reminder that some of the biggest scientific questions can begin by paying attention to the world right outside your door.