Student-led independent research battles harmful plant, creating a healthier campus ecosystem.

Austin Chiu ’26, the science-loving boarding student from Taiwan, has developed a strong connection to the Texas Hill Country landscape which inspired experiments beyond his biology classroom. 

His yearlong independent research study focused on eradicating nandina was sparked during one of Upper School science instructor Dean Mohlman’s field research station meetings. Mohlman introduced Chiu and his peers to the highly invasive plant — prevalent across campus, and seeded the idea for further study — mapping locations, measuring volume and testing removal methods.

“It's one of the things that sets St. Stephen's apart,” said Mohlman. “We have all of this acreage and a real opportunity because no one has ever done anything to try and get rid of the nandina.”

“I kept thinking about what Mr. Mohlman said, and I wanted to explore further and make a positive change on campus,” said Chiu. “It's a good way to show a deep connection to the land that we live on in the Texas Hill Country, and contribute. I also want to gain more research experience by trying to discover new things, and make a change by doing something that I love.”

Commonly known as heavenly or sacred bamboo, Nandina domestica originated in China and traveled to the United States in the 18th century. The evergreen shrub, which can grow upwards of 10 feet tall, produces red berries harmful to the cedar waxwing migratory birds passing through Austin in winter. The berries contain cyanide compounds, and birds that devour a large quantity in a short amount of time can die.

Chiu launched the independent study at the end of the 2024-25 school year. While he’s led the research independently, he has met weekly with Mohlman as his mentor. St. Stephen’s offers Upper School students several opportunities for independent study programs. Projects like Chiu’s allow Upper School students to pursue topics in depth with a faculty mentor. Seniors can also participate in a monthlong senior spring project led by other faculty or staff members.

Realizing he couldn’t tackle the invasive plant alone, Chiu decided to recruit classmates, including members of the Spartan Conservation Corps. Volunteers devoted weekends identifying, cutting and hauling nandina by the truckload.

“It's remarkable to see someone with this much initiative and the skill set that Chiu has to be able to direct the research,” said Mohlman.

Chiu led 10 students who cleared two truckloads worth of nandina behind Gunn Hall. After the plants were cut, Mohlman and Director of Outdoor Education Charlton Perry applied a herbicide with a paintbrush to the fresh stalks, a method they have tested for several months with strong results. The herbicide travels through the root systems and disrupts protein synthesis, preventing regrowth. Chiu also tested bleach and vinegar, but neither proved as effective. Chiu said since using the herbicide, no new sprouts have appeared on the treated plants and nearby native plants have not been harmed. 

Chiu estimates the student volunteer group removed about 20 truckloads of nandina — enough to fill half his biology classroom. The plants are relocated to the campus compost area, chipped and reused as mulch. This process does not produce additional nandina plants.

After each workday, Chiu documents his work with detailed notes, hundreds of photos and digital maps tracking the plant’s spread. The maps show dense growth in the Gulch, behind Gunn Hall and in residential landscaping, where nandina was originally planted for decoration.

While focused on improving campus, Chiu has also developed leadership, confidence and resilience through trial and error. His sustainable work may continue for years to come.

“This is his legacy at St. Stephen's,” said Mohlman. “This study and his files will be available to anyone else who wants to do it.”

At least two Upper School students have already expressed interest in continuing the research. Mohlman hopes the effort continues for years — even decades — demonstrating the long-term impact of Chiu’s work and the Spartans who follow.

The Future of Science at St. Stephen’s

Chiu’s work reflects the hands-on, mission-driven learning at St. Stephen’s that the Lasting Impact campaign seeks to strengthen. Through campaign priorities like the Science and Technology Center and endowments such as the Trabold Taste of Tomorrow Endowment, which supports Senior Independent Projects, students will have even more opportunities to pursue meaningful research, collaborate across disciplines and make a lasting impact beyond The Hill. 

Learn more about Lasting Impact: The Campaign for St. Stephen’s.