Welcome!
Hey there, I’m Ally—a plant biologist, STEM educator, and desert enthusiast. As a PhD candidate at UC Riverside, I research how barrel cacti use extrafloral nectaries to form defensive alliances with ants—because even cacti know the value of a good partnership!
Beyond research, I’m dedicated to making science accessible through teaching, mentorship, and outreach. Whether mentoring first-generation students, leading TA workshops, or bringing hands-on science to K-12 classrooms, I strive to spark curiosity at every stage.
When I’m not in the lab or classroom, you’ll find me botanizing in the desert, exploring the resilience of arid ecosystems. Want to chat about plants, teaching, or science outreach? Let’s connect!
Learn more about my work below.
Explore
My research investigates how barrel cacti use extrafloral nectaries to form defensive mutualisms with ants, contributing to plant survival in arid environments. Through fieldwork, lab analysis, and ecological studies, I examine the role of these interactions in desert ecosystems.
Educate
I develop and implement evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance STEM education. My work includes mentoring first-generation college students, designing curriculum, and leading workshops on effective pedagogy to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
Engage
I am committed to making science accessible through public outreach, K-12 education, and policy engagement. By connecting research with communities, I work to bridge the gap between science and society, ensuring broader impact and accessibility.
Allyssa Richards 