Maria Jaramillo
Maria Jaramillo is a senior student at the University of Central Florida (UCF) majoring in Ecology, Evolutionary, and Conservation Biology. She also works towards a minor in Chemistry at UCF, combining her passion for both fields. Maria’s academic interests are reflected in her hobbies, which include gardening, learning about native plants, and exploring topics related to ecology and chemistry. She looks forward to incorporating chemistry into her future career alongside her commitment to ecology. In her free time, Maria enjoys reading and watching content related to both ecology and chemistry.
First day on the job!
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Maria Jaramillo joined My Dragonfly Gardens through an internship program as a native plant gardener. She quickly immersed herself in studying the relationships between Florida’s native plants and the diverse urban soil types they inhabit. With a solid academic foundation in Ecology, Evolutionary, and Conservation Biology, combined with her expanding knowledge of chemistry, Maria took the initiative to establish the soil division under the guidance of MDG’s mentorship.
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Her Contribution
As a Soil Specialist, Maria Jaramillo empowers clients to cultivate thriving gardens, whether centered on permaculture, edible plants, or Florida native species. She assists clients in interpreting IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) soil reports and implementing tailored, eco-friendly soil optimization techniques that prioritize safety for both humans and wildlife. Maria’s expertise excels in overcoming the challenges of urban soils, addressing issues such as compaction, poor drainage, and nutrient imbalances with precision and care.