UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1123
Submission information
Submission Number: 1123
Submission ID: 20211
Submission UUID: 24845f07-9299-467d-bb12-5c244b14938d
Submission URI: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal
Submission Update: /urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=OhlS6aBdaWy6yGDGUlykDR9ps3IB5Fx7Dc2c2eg0_rI
Created: Wed, 08/13/2025 - 11:35 AM
Completed: Fri, 08/15/2025 - 12:42 PM
Changed: Thu, 09/18/2025 - 10:11 AM
Remote IP address: 144.174.212.45
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
Webform: UROP Project Proposal Portal
Submitted to: UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal
Research Mentor Information
Josh Rowe
he/him
Mr.
Graduate Student
Austin Mast
Arts and Sciences
FSU Department of Biological Science
Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
Conservation implications of novel mutations in a federally endangered plant
ecology, evolution, conservation, biology, botany, fitness
No
2
Biological Science and Environmental Science (or those interested in Botanical Science, Conservation Biology, or related majors)
Working primarily in King Life Sciences Building but field site is Torreya State Park in Bristol, Florida.
No, the project is remote
In-person
8
Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
This project, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, investigates the causes of low reproductive rates in the federally endangered mint, Apalachicola rosemary (Conradina glabra). This species has evolved unusual floral mutations that may influence its ability to persist despite habitat loss and other threats. By combining seed set data, pollination experiments, germination experiments, and mutation surveys, this research seeks to identify the ecological and genetic factors shaping its reproductive health. The findings will guide conservation strategies for C. glabra and offer broader insights into managing endangered plant species.
Students will gain experience in literature reviews, lab work, data analysis, and field research. Activities may include:
- Dissecting and cataloguing seeds
- Performing digital image analyses
- Preparing and maintaining germination experiments
- Co-developing and conducting pollination studies
- Assisting with mutation and population field surveys
Because much about this species remains unknown, projects could also branch into related intersectional topics such as parasitism, fire ecology, or ant behavior, depending on student interests.
- Dissecting and cataloguing seeds
- Performing digital image analyses
- Preparing and maintaining germination experiments
- Co-developing and conducting pollination studies
- Assisting with mutation and population field surveys
Because much about this species remains unknown, projects could also branch into related intersectional topics such as parasitism, fire ecology, or ant behavior, depending on student interests.
Required: Willingness to learn, time management, attention to detail, communication, adaptability
Recommended: Basic scientific literacy, basic statistics, familiarity with plant terminology, basic fieldwork experience
Recommended: Basic scientific literacy, basic statistics, familiarity with plant terminology, basic fieldwork experience
My research interests and approaches to mentoring are informed by my diverse background as a wildland firefighter, Everglades restoration coordinator, and wildlife biologist. In my experience:
1) The best working relationships are built on clear communication and mutual respect.
2) All complex skills are learnable with patience, practice, and guidance.
3) Ownership of your work builds confidence and competence.
4) Mistakes are opportunities to refine methods and strengthen understanding.
5) Different backgrounds and perspectives lead to better problem-solving and more creative solutions.
1) The best working relationships are built on clear communication and mutual respect.
2) All complex skills are learnable with patience, practice, and guidance.
3) Ownership of your work builds confidence and competence.
4) Mistakes are opportunities to refine methods and strengthen understanding.
5) Different backgrounds and perspectives lead to better problem-solving and more creative solutions.
Interested in learning more about Apalachicola rosemary? Check out US Fish and Wildlife's most recent assessment: https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/tess/species_nonpublish/3667.pdf
I hope to work with a student who is interested in continuing beyond UROP for Directed Individual Study (DIS) credits. Extended involvement offers substantial benefits: in-depth research experience, exemption from Experimental Biology Lab (BSC 3402L), opportunities to present at conferences, and potential co-authorship on publications. These experiences are especially valuable for students considering graduate school or careers in academic research, endangered species conservation, and/or environmental protection.
Yes
Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 12:00 – 12:30 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98536005503)
Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 3:30 – 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98776019723)
Thursday, Sept. 4 from 5:00 – 5:30 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96806195221)
Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 3:30 – 4:00 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98776019723)
Thursday, Sept. 4 from 5:00 – 5:30 PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96806195221)
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98536005503 - Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 3:30
End Time: 4:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/98776019723 - Day: Thursday, September 4
Start Time: 5:00
End Time: 5:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96806195221
UROP Program Elements
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
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2025
https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?element_parents=elements/research_mentor_information/headshot_optional_&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=OhlS6aBdaWy6yGDGUlykDR9ps3IB5Fx7Dc2c2eg0_rI