The Atlanta Botanical Garden along with three others – California Botanic Garden, San Diego Botanic Garden and The Morton Arboretum – have joined forces to diversify the next generation of plant scientists through a paid training and mentorship program for individuals with bachelor’s degrees.
Now in its third year, the Rare Plant RaMP (Research and Mentoring for Post-Baccalaureates) Program was developed to elevate the experience and professional skills of the next generation of researchers, first-generation college students, individuals from low-income households, those historically excluded from STEM fields and those who were not able to explore intensive research opportunities during their undergraduate studies. Through this year-long program, participants investigate the unprecedented global decline of plant biodiversity while working alongside science teams at the participating gardens.
“Coming out of college, I was uncertain how to take the next steps toward my ultimate goal of becoming a botanist. I worried about whether I had the experience so many jobs required,” said Noel Bennett, a mentee at San Diego Botanic Garden. “However, the RaMP program has completely shifted my perspective. Through this program, I have gained invaluable knowledge and had the opportunity to refine and develop new skills through my independent research project. It has challenged me in the best ways possible, pushing me to grow and exposing me to a wide range of career paths within the field.”
Funded by the National Science Foundation, the innovative network empowers mentees to perform both independent and collaborative research to advance their careers. Currently, eight total mentees from across the country have been selected to work at the four gardens on hands-on projects focused on plant conservation, botanical surveying, seed banking dynamics, ecology, genetics and more to help safeguard rare and endangered plants against threats including habitat destruction and climate change.
“This experience has shown me the value and importance of global collaboration on rare plant conservation efforts,” said Angie Wang, a mentee at The Morton Arboretum. “I have been able to learn, experience and apply a variety of different technical skills as well as plant knowledge to my research project. This job has shaped my mindset about my career goals and has been such a rewarding experience.”
Examples of mentorship project opportunities at each institution include:
Atlanta Botanical Garden: Assessing hybridization of North American pitcher plants, Sarracenia, to inform conservation decisions.
California Botanic Garden: Conducting a population genetic study of Pierson’s milkvetch, Astragulus magdalenae piersonii, to identify high-priority populations for conservation and to inform seed-banking strategies.
San Diego Botanic Garden: Analyzing rare medicinal plants such as yerba santa, Eriodictyon, for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
The Morton Arboretum: Evaluating the condition, threat and health of trees and their populations to inform conservation action.
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 partnering gardens; exchange visits and workshops at other academic, government or industry labs; and attending the annual Center for Plant Conservation conference to present research alongside their peers. A yearly stipend with benefits, including travel expenses to attend conferences and workshops, is provided.
Applications for the 2025 program are now being accepted through March 14. Eligibility applies to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent U.S. residents and those who have completed bachelor’s degrees before participating in the program (Individuals must apply 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.