REU site: botany and conservation biology research at the missouri botanical garden

The National Science Foundation Division of Biological Infrastructure awarded Missouri Botanical Garden $298,630 on April 15, 2026, to operate a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site in botany and conservation biology at the Garden's St. Louis, Missouri location through March 31, 2029.

The award funds training for eight undergraduate students per summer over three consecutive years (2026–2028), with a total anticipated enrollment of 30 students, primarily from schools with limited research opportunities. Students engage in individual research projects spanning plant ecology, restoration ecology, taxonomy and systematics, conservation biology and population genetics, ethnobotany, and related fields. Mentors from the Garden's research divisions guide participants through weekly seminars, journal club meetings, and a concluding research symposium. The curriculum includes instruction in ethics and responsible conduct of research, research methods and project design, scientific writing, presentation skills, graduate school preparation, and career development. Students frequently co-author articles in scientific journals. Assessment occurs through post-program online surveys and five-year follow-up contact.

The award is classified as a Project Grant under the NSF Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074). Staff mentors also receive training and teaching opportunities through the program. Students apply through NSF ETAP (Education and Training Application Portal).

Abstract

This REU site award to the missouri botanical garden, located in ST. Louis, MO, will support the training of 8 students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2026-2028. IT is anticipated that a total of 30 students, primarily from schools with limited research opportunities, will be trained in the program. The garden is one of the world?S most active botanical research institutions, with special strengths in conservation and taxonomy, giving students unusual opportunities to engage in research that addresses questions of practical importance. Students will learn how botanical research is conducted and will often CO-author articles in scientific journals. Staff mentors also benefit from receiving training and opportunities to teach young people. Students? Experiences and lasting benefits of the program will be assessed through a post-program survey and 5-year follow-up. Students should apply to the REU site using NSF etap (education and training application: https://etap.NSF.GOV). This REU site will focus on botany and conservation biology. Mentors from throughout the garden?S research divisions will participate, offering projects in plant ecology, restoration ecology, taxonomy and systematics, conservation biology and population genetics, ethnobotany, and related fields. Candidates will be selected by a committee including the PI and CO-PI, with input from mentors. Students will work on individual research projects and participate in group educational sessions, weekly seminars, and a journal club, concluding by presenting their results in a symposium. Students will be trained in ethics and responsible conduct of research, research methods and project design, scientific writing, preparing oral and poster presentations, applying to and succeeding in graduate school, and career development. Student experiences are assessed via an online survey and by post-program follow-up. Some alumni/AE later CO-author journal articles; recent and pending publications describe new species from madagascar and explore the population genetics of endangered species, long-term phenological change at the garden?S shaw nature reserve, species pools for prairie restoration, and covariation of morphological traits in perennial crop candidate species. More information about the program is available from http://WWW.mobot.ORG/REU. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.