#  Staff Spotlight - Saima Javed 

 





April 20, 2022

 

 

- [ News ](/news-categories/news)
 
 

 

 Saima Javed’s journey to the Herbaria began at the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture gift shop in 2003 where she worked as a clerical technician for almost five years. The HUH was fortunate to bring her onboard in 2008 as a curatorial assistant preparing and restoring vouchers for scientific studies. Away from the HUH, Saima loves to cook, spend some spare moments in calligraphy, and keep up with current affairs.

 **When did you first became interested in botany?**  
Since my childhood I have been near to nature. I remember planting seeds of mangoes and dates in our concrete veranda where only one small patch of land was left for planting. I used to dry roses and jasmine flowers in literature textbooks.

 **Where did you gain your educational foundation?**  
I completed both my Bachelor of Arts and Science and master's degree in Food and Nutrition at the University of Peshawar in Pakistan.

 **How did you get to where you are today?**  
It is an ongoing roller coaster in a very positive manner; new challenges, updated data and information, and preserving history for current and coming generations make it an extremely joyful journey. When I initially started \[at the Herbaria\], I felt it would be challenging to keep up-to-date with new knowledge and so I built up a library. With time, it became more manageable and exciting being proficient and just doing my job. I am happy to be where I am today, already giving nearly a decade of my life to something I want to do for the rest of my life.

 **Did you have a mentor(s)?**  
I grew up in a joint family system where I was very close to my uncles and aunts. Everyone was an intellectual. They always had various discussions on world politics, current affairs, education, entertainment, sports, etc., and I was always fascinated by listening to their conversations and arguments. I remember they always talked about two famous universities: Oxford and Harvard.

 Edith Hollander is one of my most inspirational mentors. She was a longtime mounter at the Herbaria and a concentration camp survivor. I am fortunate to have spent many years with her and learned so much from her. I will never forget her dedication to work, her bravery, honesty, care, and love for my family and me.

 **Do you have a specimen that is the most cherished?**  
I have mounted and repaired thousands of specimens, all of which are unique and special for me. A highlight over the years was [restoring Henry David Thoreau's specimens](/news/tuesdays-thoreau), transporting me to the time he spent collecting plant specimens and his cabin life. One of my all-time favorites from his collection is [Bidens chysanthemiodes](https://www.flickr.com/photos/huh/33316859424/in/photolist-TYNtWw-SL6ByL-U3LsXr-U3LuYa-SP667z-U3zKki-SNGTNg-TRrvSK/) \[B. Laevis\].

 Our own David Boufford's collection is also very dear to me.

 **What was your most exciting discovery so far?**  
I was very excited to mount Titan Arum, grown and bloomed at Harvard's Green House. And when I repaired specimens from E.O Wilson, I mounted the world's tiniest flower on a herbarium sheet!

 **What is something you have found particularly challenging?**  
It is always a challenge when students or visitors require answers that either is updated information regarding specimens or types or about old specimens and I have to jog my memory. Those rare moments help me study my work and it becomes a profound experience to answer to students or visitors.

 **What would you like the next generation to seek out?**  
I want to see kids near nature, spend time exploring their surroundings, and be fond of reading.



 

 

 



 

 

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