College of Natural Sciences Student Spotlight: Jasmyn Shepherd
Posted: April 24, 2025 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 3 minutes
If you want to find senior biology student Jasmyn Shepherd, chances are you will find her one of two places - either the greenhouses on the third floor of the Skagg’s Center for Health and Molecular Sciences or nearby in the newly established pollinator garden along the south side of the SUU Science Center. Infatuated by all things plants (she has over 70 at home!), Jasmyn has been intimately involved with multiple plant-related projects and initiatives on our campus. Jasmyn’s path at SUU is unconventional in many ways. But the supportive culture at SUU has allowed Jasmyn to find success and thrive in her desired path.
Coming to SUU from Trivium Preparatory Academy in Goodyear, Arizona, Jasmyn’s family has since moved to Colorado. Originally beginning her freshman year at SUU in 2018, Jasmyn has taken a non-consecutive path through her education, but is now nearing degree completion. Jasmyn admits that when she originally enrolled at SUU, she didn’t plan on being here long. But, the biology program and biology faculty have taken Jasmyn under their wing and have helped her find a place to pursue her dreams here at SUU.
Jasmyn’s real interests lie in the field of horticulture. SUU does not have a horticulture program, but the flexibility of the biology degree, coupled with the ingenuity of dedicated faculty, have allowed Jasmyn to find creative opportunities that still support her interests and career goals - which include working in a botanical garden or public greenhouse and becoming certified in horticultural therapy. Among those creative opportunities was the chance to create a meditation/mental health space in the SUU greenhouse after doing personal research in horticultural therapy. This project now benefits SUU faculty and students alike.
A common element in the curricular path of a natural sciences student is undergraduate research. Jasmyn has opted to take advantage of research opportunities, but unlike many of our students Jasmyn’s research has taken a very applied approach. Her work in horticultural therapy, already described above, has been coupled with work to help develop our new pollinator garden specifically designed to not only attract pollinators but to also educate the public about pollinators, native plants, and sustainable landscaping. All projects suiting a future botanical garden staffer.
The SUU Biology Club has become a bit of a home away from home for Jasmyn. Her active participation has led to participation in a multitude of club events, including travel with the Biology Department on their annual trip to San Diego. This trip provides exposure to a number of scientific institutions in the San Diego area as well as opportunities to conduct small scale research projects in marine biology. Jasmyn and her biology colleagues have also participated in public outreach events including STEAM Nights (sponsored by the SUU STEM Center), the SUU Seed Exchange program and the SUU Greenhouse’s annual plant sale.
When asked about the best part of studying at SUU, Jasmyn commented, “the best thing…has absolutely been the biology department faculty. They helped me find my passion for botany and, although we don’t have a horticulture degree here, they have gone above and beyond to create learning opportunities for me and fill in the gaps. The biology professors truly love what they do and want to support your passions as well.”
Tags: College of Natural Sciences Career and Professional Development CurStu
