Drawn to UVM’s strong emphasis on field-based learning, Cy initially enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences before transitioning into the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). That change, he says, allowed him greater flexibility to explore courses aligned with his interests, ultimately shaping a rich and dynamic academic experience.

Throughout his time at UVM, Cy has earned numerous prestigious honors, including the Plant Biology Award for Superior Performance in Research and the Thomas Sproston, Jr. Award.  His dedication to research has also been recognized nationally, with the James D. Caponetti Undergraduate Student Research Award from the American Fern Society, as well as the Summer Collections Scholarship from FOUR to support his SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Funding) project.

Cy’s academic journey has been defined by hands-on learning and meaningful research opportunities. He completed two internships in the Plant Biology department, including the Native Plants Internship with Dr. Laura Hill, where he worked with Burlington Wildways to promote the use of native plants throughout the city. He also participated in an Ethnobotany Internship led by Dr. Karsten Fatur, collaborating with peers to explore the role of plants in mythology. The group continues to refine its research, with plans to publish a manuscript.

Among many impactful experiences, Cy highlights his two-week study abroad course in Tropical Plant Systematics that went to Costa Rica as especially transformative. The trip and the material covered in Costa Rica exposed him to immense biodiversity and helped him refine his academic focus on plant evolution and biodiversity.

Cy has also been deeply engaged outside the classroom. In his freshman year he joined the new Quizbowl Club, and he has enjoyed traveling to competitions across the Northeast. 

“It's like trivia, but a little more competitive and way nerdier. I played a little in middle school and high school, so it has been great to be able to continue into college.” 

He has also been part of the UVM Gymnastics Club, reconnecting with a longtime passion in a welcoming and low-pressure environment. Additionally, he has participated in several intramural sports, including broomball, floor hockey, and volleyball.

As a member of the Honors College, Cy recently defended his thesis, titled “Testing hypothesized deep hybridization in the royal ferns.” His research demonstrated that two species separated by roughly 200 million years can still hybridize, a finding that contributes to our understanding of plant evolution.

Beyond his thesis, Cy has pursued a wide range of research experiences. He participated in a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Biological Station, studying how floral traits vary across pollination strategies. He later presented this work at the Evolution Conference in Athens, Georgia. At UVM, he contributed to projects in Dr. Jill Preston’s lab and worked as a technician with Dr. Carol Adair’s group studying cold-air pooling in the Northeast. Through these diverse experiences, Cy discovered a clear passion for research and gained valuable technical skills.

He also completed an Ethnobotany Internship and is still working with his group from that experience.  They have been reviewing literature which attempts to identify mythical plants, and the group has proposed some of their own identifications and shared these in a recent presentation to the entire Department of Plant Biology.

“I feel like I've learned a lot from each one of these experiences, but generally, they have helped me discover that I really enjoy doing research and helped me narrow down which kinds of questions and methodologies I enjoy. I feel very grateful to all the research mentors who have supported me throughout my time here!”

When reflecting on his time at UVM, Cy emphasizes both the professional and personal connections he’s made. While his research has connected him with mentors and scientists, he hopes to collaborate with in the future, it’s the friendships formed through classes, clubs, and campus life that stand out the most.

Looking ahead, Cy is considering graduate school and a career in research, and he feels well-prepared thanks to the opportunities and mentorship he found at UVM.

His advice to new students? Stay connected to what inspires you. 

“It’s easy to get burned out by prerequisites,” he says, “but finding ways to engage with your major early, through research, clubs, or department events, can help you stay motivated and build your community.”