UROP Project
Conservation implications of novel mutations in a federally endangered plant
ecology and evolution, conservation biology, botany
Research Mentor: Josh Rowe, he/him
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU Department of Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jbr22f@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: FSU Department of Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: jbr22f@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Maybe one more
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Due to space limitations, I am restricting applicants this year to ecology, evolution, botany, environmental science, or conservation majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Due to space limitations, I am restricting applicants this year to ecology, evolution, botany, environmental science, or conservation majors.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 1:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/99639366923
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.