Guy Lowe is a steward of botanical history and discovery. His work revolves around the curation of herbarium specimens dating back to the early 19th century, from plant groups including Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and ferns.
In his daily endeavours, Guy immerses himself in the rich tapestry of botanical records, databasing plant specimens old and new. He checks and transcribes information including when the plant was collected and by whom, collection site details, and descriptions of the plant. He then liaises with botanists and researchers working on the plant groups, and when they undergo revisions in taxonomy, Guy updates them both physically and electronically in the collection to ensure each specimen accurately reflects the latest research.
What ignites Guy's passion for his job is the perpetual sense of discovery within the collection. Delving into old notes and letters on the sheets, he unravels the tales of exotic places and collection trips of the past. For Guy, each specimen is a unique snapshot in time, contributing a vital piece to the larger narrative of botanical history.
Beyond his daily tasks, Guy is deeply committed to fostering the use of the collection within the greater scientific community. He believes that effective curation can unlock the full potential of the collection for research and discovery.
Guy's favourite plants – early evolutionary species like ferns, cycads, and conifers – speak to his fascination with history and evolution. As remnants of the age of dinosaurs, these plants captivate Guy with their ancient allure and enduring significance.
