“Bayberry is a hardy, resilient shrub that grows wild in coastal areas, like my hometown of Wellfleet on Cape Cod. My tattoo is a drawing that came from an old plant identification guide in my grandfather’s home, and so it both represents my scientific interest in coastal ecology and reminds me of my deep family ties to the land. Although bayberry is native to the east coast of the United States, it is planted for landscaping purposes around the world. Sometimes I feel like I am a transplant as well – and this tattoo reminds me that the coast is where I belong, and where I too feel like I truly roam free.”