Hello, To: all the bontanists/biochemists here As I'm still in high school, it's almost time to graduate and figure out what I want to do in my life. As botany is one of my interests, I was wondering more about it. I enjoy chemistry very much, have already completed/gotten a credit for first year college chem. So, how do you all get to know the immese knowledge about plants and such that you do? Is it like Bio. and studying the taxonomy of plants and stuff?
The number one answer would be study! I know personally several of the world's top aroid botanists and all are PhD's. You can certainly find a vocation in horticulture with less study but if you are truly interested in the study of botany you have about 7 years worth of work ahead of you. But first consider this. The world of botany is like saying "I want to be a doctor". Well, what kind of doctor? A general practice physician or a brain surgeon? There are an estimated 500,000 plant species in the world (some say 2,000,000). They are divided into a vast number of groups. So which group of those plants do you wish to study? The vast majority of qualified botanists (the ones who get a good job) select a small group of species or group (genus) and specialize. Dr. Tom Croat of the Missouri Botanical Garden specializes in Philodendron and Anthurium, a total of close to 1,800 species. Peter Boyce in Singapore works primarily in Alocasia, a much smaller genus. So when you say plants are an interest, which group of plants interest you? And are you interested in the plants or the chemisty of the plants? Many folks go into the study of the medicinal use of plant species. The total world of botany is simply too large for anyone to master. You're going to need to break it down just a bit. I'd suggest you contact a school guidance counselor and explain your interests. Then contact a good university with a botany program and ask what they offer. But in the end you're going to want to study what you enjoy. Otherwise, it is likely you'll be changing fields shortly after you complete your education.
I waited close to 30 years to decide I wanted to be a botanist. Too late for me now, I've already had a career and am retired. So I just hang out with botanists and talk to them all the time, virtually daily. But its not too late for you. Do it!
