UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1123

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Josh Rowe
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: he/him
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Mr.
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): jbr22f@fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: Austin Mast
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: amast@fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable): Arts and Sciences
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: FSU Department of Biological Science
Headshot (optional): https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_project_proposal_portal/20211/edf5a77c-ad89-49cd-9211-956b53076ffd.jpg

Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Conservation implications of novel mutations in a federally endangered plant
Project Keywords: ecology, evolution, conservation, biology, botany, fitness
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Biological Science and Environmental Science (or those interested in Botanical Science, Conservation Biology, or related majors)

Project Location:: Working primarily in King Life Sciences Building but field site is Torreya State Park in Bristol, Florida.
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: No, the project is remote
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: In-person
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 8
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description:
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.

Research Tasks:
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.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Required: Willingness to learn, time management, attention to detail, communication, adaptability

Recommended: Basic scientific literacy, basic statistics, familiarity with plant terminology, basic fieldwork experience

Mentoring Philosophy:
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.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: 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
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
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.


Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
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)

Roundtable Info:
- 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
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation: Yes

Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series?: Yes
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Year: 2025
update url: 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