Quinlyn Baine
Ph.D. Student
Year entered program: 2023
Department: Biology
Mentor: Ellen Martinson, Ph.D.
Interests: Terrestrial EcologyRaised on the central coast of California, Quin Baine discovered her passion for botany, horticulture, and apiculture through her hands-on experiences in fruit and vegetable farming. She also served in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, contributing to habitat restoration and disaster relief efforts in the mid-Atlantic region.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Ecology from The Evergreen State College and completing a significant senior thesis on mercury bioaccumulation in algae and invertebrates, Baine transitioned into a research role. She spent four years as a research technician with the Washington State Department of Agriculture Entomology Lab, honing her insect collecting and identification skills. During this time, Baine tackled diverse projects, from studying grain pests to investigating invasive hornets. She also expanded her expertise abroad as a butterfly technician for the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon in Peru.
Currently, Baine works closely with her mentor, Dr. Ellen Martinson, focusing on the co-evolution of gall-inducing insects, their host plants, and specialized predators. Collaborating with multiple divisions at the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB) at UNM, her work extends to conservation assessments of New Mexico's rare and threatened arthropod species in partnership with Natural Heritage New Mexico and the New Mexico Biopark Society.
Department: Biology
Mentor: Ellen Martinson, Ph.D.
Interests: Terrestrial Ecology
Bio
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Ecology from The Evergreen State College and completing a significant senior thesis on mercury bioaccumulation in algae and invertebrates, Baine transitioned into a research role. She spent four years as a research technician with the Washington State Department of Agriculture Entomology Lab, honing her insect collecting and identification skills. During this time, Baine tackled diverse projects, from studying grain pests to investigating invasive hornets. She also expanded her expertise abroad as a butterfly technician for the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon in Peru.
Currently, Baine works closely with her mentor, Dr. Ellen Martinson, focusing on the co-evolution of gall-inducing insects, their host plants, and specialized predators. Collaborating with multiple divisions at the Museum of Southwestern Biology (MSB) at UNM, her work extends to conservation assessments of New Mexico's rare and threatened arthropod species in partnership with Natural Heritage New Mexico and the New Mexico Biopark Society.
