[Ccb_faculty] FW: Opportunity: Rare Plant RaMP (Research & Mentoring for Post-baccalaureates in Biological Sciences)

[Amy Litt]

*From:* Naomi Fraga [mailto:nfraga at calbg.org]
*Sent:* Wednesday, February 7, 2024 10:22 AM
*Subject:* Opportunity: Rare Plant RaMP (Research & Mentoring for
Post-baccalaureates in Biological Sciences)



Dear Colleagues,



Applications are open for the second year of the NSF funded* Rare Plant
RaMP (Research & Mentoring for Post-baccalaureates in Biological Sciences)
network*. The program consists of yearlong immersive opportunities to work
alongside science teams at participating botanic gardens. It is
specifically intended for first-generation college students, individuals
from low-income households, and those from groups historically excluded
from STEM.

We will hire a total of eight mentees to work on a number of projects
focused on plant conservation, botanical surveying, seed banking dynamics,
ecology, genetics, and more to help safeguard rare and endangered plants
against threats like habitat destruction and climate change.

Examples of mentorship project opportunities at each institution include:

●      *Atlanta Botanic Garden: *Assessing species boundaries in the North
American carnivorous plant group, with a focus on the sweet pitcher
plant (*Sarracenia
rubra). *

●      *California Botanic Garden*: Conducting a population genetic study
to develop tools that aid in the protection of succulent plants currently
being targeted by poachers.

●      *San Diego Botanic Garden: *Analyzing rare medicinal plants such as
yerba santa (*Eriodictyon) *for treatment of neurodegenerative
diseases and *Artemisia
*for antimalarial compounds.

●      *The Morton Arboretum*: Assisting in the creation of conservation
groves for threatened oaks in the Southeastern U.S.

In addition to first-hand research experience, RaMP mentees participate in
activities to foster professional development and networking opportunities,
including bi-weekly meetings with peers from participating gardens;
exchange visits and workshops at other academic, government or industry
labs; and attendance at the annual Center for Plant Conservation (CPC)
conference to present research alongside their peers. A yearly stipend with
benefits, including travel expenses to attend conferences and workshops, is
provided.

Applications are now open through* March 15, 2024*. Participants must have
completed a bachelor’s degree before participating in the program
(applicants must apply to the program before or within four years of
graduation, with extensions allowed for family, medical leave, or military
service). Individuals cannot be currently enrolled or accepted into a
graduate program and must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent
residents of the United States.

For more information about the program and a link to the application site,
visit the website *here*.
<https://atlantabg.org/conservation-research/outreach-education-and-training/ramp-post-baccalaureate-training-and-research-program-in-rare-plant-science-and-conservation/>

Naomi

_____________________________________________________
Naomi S. Fraga, Ph.D.

Director of Conservation Programs, California Botanic Garden

Research Assistant Professor, Claremont Graduate University

nfraga at calbg.org

(626) 674-6746 (cell)

1500 N. College Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
https://www.calbg.org/
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