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Botanical Research Institute of Texas @ Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Ferns of Colombia Undergraduate Research Intern- Fall 2024
Duration: August 26 – December 2024
Hours: 240 hours
Schedule: Intern will create a regular weekly schedule that fits within 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Location: Onsite in the Philecology Herbarium and the Sumner Molecular Laboratory at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Stipend: $3700
Application deadline: May 18, 2024 (Notifications by June 1, 2024)
Reports to: Dr. Alejandra Vasco, Research Botanist and
Kimberlie Sasan, Research Assistant
Background
The Ferns of Colombia is a research project funded by the National Science Foundation Grant DEB-2045319 to address major gaps in our knowledge of Colombia fern diversity, generate unified taxonomic and genomic resources for the ferns of Colombia, and describe unknown fern diversity in Colombia. Colombia harbors the highest fern diversity of any country in the Americas, with nearly 1450 documented native species, representing roughly 15% of the fern global diversity. At the same time, Colombia remains poorly explored from a biological diversity perspective.
Intern duties and responsibilities
Intern will have their own research project related to the Ferns of Colombia project. This research experience will include training in basic herbarium and laboratory techniques to study plant diversity and evolution.
Some of the responsibilities might include:
• Processing dried specimens, to include sorting, distribution of duplicates, mounting, digitizing, georeferencing, and filing.
• Processing silica specimens, to include sorting, distribution of duplicates, preparation of samples for DNA extraction, and assist with DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis.
• Working with a remote graduate student to curate specimens to improve quality of materials and data.
• Engaging in additional learning opportunities as available (lectures, collecting outings).
• Creating at least one personal reflection outreach product (blog post, photo essay, video, or similar).
• Writing a final report of the research project.
Required education and experience
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree in Biology, preferably upper level junior or senior classes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace (Google Sheets).
Additional eligibility qualifications
• Interest in botany, including in ferns or lycophytes, evolution, taxonomy, and/or systematics.
• At least 18 years old and able to pass a background check. Interns may be subject to training for safe interactions around minors.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident.
To Apply
Send all papers as a pdf to ksasan@fwbg.org:
• A CV
• A cover letter detailing why would you like to participate in this experience (Do not repeat qualifications already listed in CV.)
• The name and contact information of two references (No letters are needed at this time.)