Opportunities in Science

Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program

National Science Foundation REU Program
Integrative Tree Science for the Anthropocene

Content Detail

Experience careers that explore solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resources management, and urban life through the National Science Foundation REU Program: Integrative Tree Science in the Anthropocene.

The era of unprecedented transformation of the biosphere due to human activities is termed the Anthropocene and calls for directly addressing the ecological and environmental challenges of the present and near future. The REU at The Morton Arboretum uses trees as model systems to investigate questions related to evolution, ecology, conservation, and management in natural and built environments. Participants in the 2024 REU program will participate in one of several research projects.

 

The Center for Tree Science’s 10-week summer internship program has trained 68 students over the past nine years from 45 universities across the United States.

Feedback from past students:

  • “It gave me a reference that allowed me to get into grad school and do the research that I really want to do!”
  • “Keep this up! It was a very important experience for me early in my career and is still one of my favorite jobs that I have ever had.”
  • “My REU experience has strongly impacted my career path. It has opened me up to and enhanced my true interests.”
  • “Enjoy what it feels like to be dedicated to and focus your energy on one project that you’re passionate about. You will love the experience and the people around you.”

Want more details from past students? Read the REU Student Blog Series for insights into past experiences and project highlights.

Program Details

Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program may apply for this nationally competitive fellowship.

Participate in a paid, intensive, 10-week summer program, with housing and travel provided, conducting an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD-level mentor.

Gain direct experience on all aspects of a research project, from reading the primary literature, experimental design, collecting and analyzing data, to presenting the results at a final symposium.

Develop critical thinking, independence, self-confidence, perseverance, and collaborative skills. Interact with REUs from other Chicago institutions, and benefit from workshops on science communication and professional development.

Learn skills you can apply anywhere. The Center for Tree Science also offers opportunities to return to continue your work.

Learn more about potential 2024 projects >

The 10-week research program includes:

  • $6,250 stipend
  • Housing, research supplies, and travel
  • Workshops in science communication, ethics, and project management

Research areas:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Forest ecology
  • Conservation biology
  • Urban forestry and tree care
  • Computer modeling
  • Engineering solutions

Learn more:

  • Present your research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
  • Work on unique projects.
  • Meet new people and grow your network.

Application Information

The REU program includes a stipend, covers housing and travel expenses, and runs from May 28 to August 2, 2024. Applications open December 4, 2023 and close on February 2, 2024.

Our mentorship program seeks diverse viewpoints as we foster and grow a vibrant, innovative scientific community. REU participants will be incorporated into Arboretum research laboratories for the summer and work collaboratively.

It is important that this community be inclusive so participants can contribute their best ideas and efforts and achieve their full potential. ​We encourage applicants from colleges with limited research opportunities (e.g. community colleges, tribal colleges, and small colleges without graduate programs), groups underrepresented in STEM programs, first-year and second-year undergraduates, US military veterans currently enrolled as undergraduates, and first-generation college students. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.

Eligibility

To apply for the 10-week research experience program, which includes a $6,250 stipend and covers housing and travel expenses, students participating in the National Science Foundation-supported REU program must be:

  1. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
  2. Currently-enrolled undergraduate students.
    a.
    Students between high school and undergraduate are NOT eligible to apply.
    b. Must NOT graduate before fall 2024.
    c. Graduating seniors or recent graduates are not eligible to apply.
    d. Students who are transferring from one college or university to another, and are enrolled at neither institution during the intervening summer, are eligible to participate.
  3. Able to participate from May 28 to August 2, 2024. 

Application Requirements for the 2024 REU Program

Please review the following instructions in order to complete the online application by February 2, 2024.

  1. In order to apply, you will be required to create an account through the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Education and Training Application (ETAP) platform. This account will allow you to browse and easily apply to multiple NSF opportunities.
  2. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
  3. A cover letter is not required. You will have the opportunity to provide information about your project interest and motivations within the application.
  4. Be prepared to provide contact information for two references during the NSF ETAP application process. Please choose someone who is familiar with your skills, traits, and motivation, and discuss your goals with this person.
  5. NSF ETAP will ask you to upload your unofficial college transcripts in order to complete the application.
  6. Apply HERE from December 4, 2023 to February 2, 2024.

Projects and Mentors

The Center for Tree Science REU program offers a wide range of research experiences in evolutionary biology, forest ecology, conservation biology, tree root biology, urban forestry and tree care, computer modeling, and engineering solutions. Undergraduates applying for the 2024 program will have a chance to select and rank their top three projects from the list below.

Project List

  • Characterizing the demography of oaks in decline in the Chicago region
  • Classifying tropical forest composition and species distribution and extracting biodiversity values based on indigenous knowledge from drone based imagery in the Brazilian Amazon
  • Drought tolerance in urban trees
  • Genome size and ploidy survey of cultivated and wild provenance winterberry holly, Ilex verticillata (L.) A. Gray
  • How does environment influence genetic diversity of an endangered tree species in Baja
  • Trait variation in mycorrhiza fungi
  • Understanding the chemotaxonomic and genetic collinearity of rare trees
  • Unraveling Fusarium wilt in Gro-Low Sumac for Sustainable Landscape Preservation

Project Descriptions

Characterizing the demography of oaks in decline in the Chicago region

Mentors: Christy Rollinson, Brendon Reidy

Summary: Oaks are historically the dominant tree group in the forests and woodlands of the Chicago region and are a keystone species that structures the plant and wildlife communities of the region. Regional oak ecosystems were drastically transformed during Euro-American settlement in the 1830s, and only 17% of that original landscape remains today. Oaks in the Chicago region and throughout the Midwest have been experiencing decline at both the individual tree and population scale. A number of factors appear to contribute to the decline, including disease, climate and environmental change, and age.

The student will work with tree-ring samples from The Morton Arboretum and the surrounding region to evaluate the age structure and growth patterns of oaks in decline. This will involve a mixture of sample preparation using power tools in a woodshop setting and lab work involving a microscope. The REU will primarily focus on the analysis of trees that have been removed from the landscape because of health, which will be supplemented with existing regional tree-ring records from healthy trees that were collected as part of past research efforts.

Preferred qualifications: Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, over-the-ear hearing protection, and an N95 mask and be comfortable using power tools (belt and palm sanders) after instruction.

Project setting: The Morton Arboretum, with lab components.

Classifying tropical forest composition and species distribution and extracting biodiversity values based on indigenous knowledge from drone based imagery in the Brazilian Amazon

Mentors: Chuck Cannon, Chai-Shian Kua

Summary: Tropical rainforests, some of the most biodiverse and complex ecosystems on Earth, are threatened by deforestation, climate change, and human activities. Understanding the composition and distribution of species in the rainforest is essential for conservation and management. Traditionally, this information was based upon vegetation plots, where individual trees were measured and identified by humans on the ground. Current advances in drone and imagery technology are enabling the classification and identification of trees across an entire landscape.

In this project, the REU student will analyze multispectral, RGB, and LiDAR aerial imagery from various rainforest sites and use off-the-shelf segmentation and classification techniques to extract information on the canopy structure, tree diversity, and community composition. The student will also use various methods to determine the accuracy of these methods, and build identification models for species of particular importance to indigenous people of Amazonas, Brazil. Indigenous knowledge is the local and traditional ecological knowledge of the people who live in and depend on the rainforest. The student will conduct literature research and interact virtually with indigenous groups to prioritize tree species for identification. The student will be part of a team competing in the XPRIZE Rainforest finals, which will take place in Amazonas, Brazil in July, 2024. The multidisciplinary team includes faculty and students from Illinois Tech, Purdue, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and an international non-profit.

The student will research and learn how to analyze and classify various types of drone-based imagery, “ground truth” the accuracy of the classification, and community-level metrics to describe species distribution. The student will also learn how to collect, process, and integrate indigenous knowledge data into the overall framework. The student will contribute to the scientific understanding of the tropical rainforest ecology and the development of novel and autonomous approaches for conservation.

Preferred qualifications: Passport required for international travel. Knowledge of Portuguese a plus (or willingness to learn), ability to conduct research independently, experience with flying drones and/or knowledge of image analysis will be advantageous.

Project setting: Primarily at The Morton Arboretum but including a 10-day field trip to Amazonas, Brazil. The field trip could involve working outside for long hours in humid and hot conditions.

Drought tolerance in urban trees

Mentors: Luke McCormack, Marvin Lo

Summary: Healthy trees in urban areas provide numerous benefits to people, including improved physical health and mental wellbeing; however, trees in urban settings can be prone to drought stress due to limited soil volumes, poor water infiltration, and nutrient imbalances. Furthermore, climate change is expected to increase the occurrence of drought for trees in some urban areas. It is therefore important to understand how drought will impact commonly planted tree species in urban areas today, and to help identify candidate species for future use in urban settings so that we can increase the diversity and resilience of our urban forests. In this project, students will conduct physiological measurements on important and understudied urban tree species to assess their likely resilience to drought. The findings will then be used to support recommendations for tree selections and plantings in managed areas.

Preferred qualifications: Must be interested in plant ecology, tree care, or similar fields and have completed at least one college-level course relevant to the study of plants. Students must also be willing to discuss and develop research questions, conduct fieldwork and laboratory analyses, and perform statistical analysis with data interpretation.

Coursework/background:

  • Introductory biology required; ecology or plant physiology course preferred
  • Ability to work in both field (hot, humid, rain, insects) and lab (standing/sitting for prolonged periods) settings

Bonus points: Experience with trees, roots, soils, ecophysiology, data analysis, research in general

Project setting: The Morton Arboretum, with field and lab components.

Genome size and ploidy survey of cultivated and wild provenance winterberry holly, Ilex verticillata (L.) A. Gray

Mentors: Alan Whittemore, Kim Shearer, Andrew Hipp

Summary: The winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a native shrub that is important in ornamental horticulture. Preliminary genetic analysis has shown that this species includes both diploid and tetraploid populations, both of which have been used in horticulture. The student will determine the distribution of diploids and tetraploids by surveying for DNA content using flow cytometry. This will include important cultivars of I. verticillata and its hybrids, along with plants from selected wild populations.

Preferred qualifications: Interest in combining field and laboratory techniques to understand genetic variation within species. Prior experience with lab equipment is helpful but not required. Willingness to learn a variety of field and lab techniques, including botanical specimen collection and analysis, flow cytometry, and basics of genetic analysis.

Project setting: Primarily at The Morton Arboretum; will include limited field trips in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois to collect wild material.

How does environment influence genetic diversity of an endangered tree species in Baja

Mentors: Sean Hoban, Ash Hamilton

Summary: Genetic diversity is vital to help species adapt to a changing climate. Understanding how species maintain genetic diversity within populations (i.e. gene flow, genetic drift) can inform effective conservation, such as planning where to plant new trees. This knowledge may be particularly important for rare species with small populations. Currently little is known about genetic diversity and gene flow within the endangered oak in Baja Sur, Mexico, Quercus brandegeei. This project will involve the analysis of morphological, phenological, spatial, and genetic data from Quercus brandegeei. Applicants should be interested in learning and working with lab techniques for extracting and examining DNA, as well as learning and working on analyzing genetic and morphological data with computational techniques.

Preferred qualifications: Prior experience with lab equipment (in any lab, such as chemistry, etc.), computer programming, or DNA analysis is beneficial but not required. Prior classes in evolution, population genetics, GIS, computer science, conservation biology, or similar are beneficial. A commitment to conserving trees, careful organization, attention to detail, and working collaboratively is appreciated.

Project setting: The Morton Arboretum, with lab components.

Trait variation in mycorrhiza fungi

Mentors: Luke McCormack, Marvin Lo

Summary: Mycorrhizal fungi are an important component of most terrestrial ecosystems as they supply plants with soil nutrients in exchange for carbohydrates. This symbiosis is particularly vital to the health and resilience of many forest ecosystems. Similar to the wide diversity in form and function observed in plants, there is also a wide diversity in form and function among species of mycorrhizal fungi, yet this fungal diversity has received much less attention and is less well understood. In this project, students will measure traits of ectomycorrhizal fungi that are related to their functional symbiosis with plants and their impacts on ecosystem processes. These measurements will be made across a range of fungal species in symbiosis with different tree species. The findings will then be used to inform our understanding of mycorrhizal trait variation across both fungal and plant species as well as how this variation contributes to forest ecosystem productivity and nutrient cycling.

Preferred qualifications: Must be interested in plant and/or fungal ecology, forest ecology, or similar fields and have completed at least one college-level course relevant to the study of plants or fungi. Students must also be willing to discuss and develop research questions, conduct fieldwork and laboratory analyses, and perform statistical analysis with data interpretation.

Coursework/background:

  • Introductory biology required; an additional course in ecology, plant physiology, or mycology preferred.
  • Ability to work in both field (hot, humid, rain, insects) and lab (standing/sitting for prolonged periods) settings.

Bonus points: Experience with trees, roots, soils, fungi, data analysis, research in general.

Project setting: The Morton Arboretum, with lab and field components.

Understanding the chemotaxonomic and genetic collinearity of rare trees

Mentors: Chad Rigsby, Nathan Maren

Summary: This project will focus on understanding chemotaxonomic and genetic relationships within clades of common and rare species of trees. Among other new plant development projects, the new plant development lab analyzes the genetics of various tree species to determine the utility of parents and inheritance patterns of unique traits to ensure gain from selection in segregating breeding populations of horticulturally interesting trees. This information can guide the selection process in the new plant development breeding program to enhance desirable traits in future generations. Applicants should be interested in learning and working with lab techniques for High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) as well as extracting and examining DNA, and/or learning and working on analyzing genetic/genomic data with computational techniques. The project focus can be tailored to more laboratory or more computational goals.

Preferred qualifications: Prior experience with lab equipment (in any lab, such as chemistry, etc.), computer programming, or DNA analysis is beneficial but not required. Prior classes in plant breeding, evolution, population genetics, computer science, conservation biology, or similar are beneficial. A commitment to conserving trees, careful organization, attention to detail, and working collaboratively is appreciated.

Project setting: The Morton Arboretum, with lab components.

Unraveling Fusarium Wilt in Gro-Low Sumac for Sustainable Landscape Preservation

Mentor: Stephanie Adams

Summary: Gro low sumac (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’) is a valuable Illinois-native shrub that is frequently planted in landscapes for a number of reasons. Its desirable landscape qualities include attracting pollinators, wildlife feed on its berries, and it can serve as shelter to small animals and birds. Its attractive orange, lavender, and red fall colors make it a shrub for all seasons. The hardiness qualities that make it versatile include its ability to tolerate a range of soil conditions, being black walnut-resistant, ability to survive temperature extremes, and having resistance to rabbit damage. Until recently this shrub has not experienced any widespread detrimental insect pests or diseases; however, in the last ten years there has been an increased number of reports of Gro-Low sumac declining and dying in landscapes and in nurseries. Cooperative Extension plant diagnostic clinics have identified the causal disease to be Fusarium wilt, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. Aside from plant diagnostic reports, little is known about this disease, including how or when infection occurs, and where the pathogen survives in plant production facilities.

This proposed research project will be dedicated toward identifying where the pathogen is surviving in plant production facilities and identifying when infection is occurring during crop production. The results will be used to support plant production in plant nurseries.

Preferred qualifications: Must be interested in plant diseases, plant health, botany and plant sciences, and growing plants and trees. Applicants should be detail-oriented, have a collaborative, growth, and learning work ethic, and willingness to maintain a safe working environment.

Coursework/background:

  • General microbiology required; botany or related plant and crop sciences, plant health care, mycology, bacteriology preferred.
  • Ability to work in both field (standing, walking, kneeling, lifting no more than 30 lbs) and lab (standing/sitting for prolonged periods) settings.

Project setting: The Morton Arboretum, with lab components; field work in a local production nursery without climate control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the application deadline?

A: Applications will be accepted through February 2, 2024. All applicants will be notified when awards are announced.

Q: What are the start and end dates of the program?

A: The Morton Arboretum 2024 REU program runs from May 28 to August 2. Participants should expect to check in to the housing provided by May 27 and depart on August 3.

Q: What are the hours students will work during the program?

A: This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week) research experience. Specific hours will be arranged with your research mentor.

Q: Where can I find more information on the NSF ETAP platform?

A: Learn more HERE and complete the online application by February 2, 2024.

Q: How can I improve my application?

A: Ensure that all elements of the application are complete and carefully proofread. Answer all required questions thoroughly. Whether you have past research experience or not, highlight assets that you feel demonstrate your potential and clearly articulate how an REU experience at The Morton Arboretum would fit into your larger academic and professional goals.

Q: What do you look for in an intern?

A: Applicants are matched to projects based on interests, personal background, and enthusiasm. Other factors will also be considered such as relevant coursework and experiences. A subset of applicants will be interviewed by phone, email, or video.

Q: How binding is acceptance to the program?

A: If you are offered an internship, you will have a set amount of time to respond. We expect you to join the program if you formally accept an offer.

Q: My classes end after the program starts. Can I still apply?

A: This situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis, and depends on a number of factors. We encourage you to apply if you anticipate a potential scheduling conflict that is out of your hands (e.g., your finals week coincides with the beginning of our program). Note your conflict during the application process and if you are offered an internship, we will discuss potential ways to accommodate the situation.

Q: Is there a stipend?

A: Yes, this NSF-funded REU internship provides a stipend of $6,250.

Q: How will I get there?

A: The program will cover costs for participants to travel to and from their homes to the housing provided. For more information, please contact ctsreu@mortonarb.org.

Q: Where will I live?

A: Housing for the duration of the program will be provided at a local college dorm and hotel, as needed. Funding will be provided for any relevant and/or necessary costs associated with housing and commuting incurred during the program.

Q: What are some expectations outside of my research experience?

A: An important component of the REU program is the cohort experience and we will host activities to nurture this experience. For this reason, all attendees will be expected to participate in as many group activities as they can.

Q: Where can I find out more about past participants’ experiences with the REU program?

A: The REU student experience includes a blog component. From 2022 onward, student participants document their internship experiences in a publicly accessible blog or series of blogs. Read the REU Student Blog Series to see if this program sounds right for you.

Please contact ctsreu@mortonarb.org with any questions.

Participants and Projects

Meet the Center for Tree Science undergraduate research program participants at The Morton Arboretum! Arboretum scientists have welcomed 68 students into their labs for summer research projects since 2014. Students come from all over the United States, from large universities to smaller colleges, around Chicago, and across the country. The projects they have participated in make an impact on key challenges facing society today, including ecology and conservation, technology and engineering, and biodiversity.

  • Major funding was provided by the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and Morton Salt; additional funding is noted below.

    Laura Aguiniga, Elmhurst University

    Project: Genetic diversity of Quercus tomentella captured in ex situ collections

    Advisors: Dr. Sean Hoban, Emily Schumacher, and Austin Koontz

    Funding provided by the Center for Tree Science Integrated Mentorship Program

    Mikaely Evans, Macalester College

    Project: Analyzing parentage patterns in acorns at The Morton Arboretum

    Advisors: Dr. Sean Hoban, Emily Schumacher, and Austin Koontz

    Greta Franke, Emory University

    Project: Effects of brush pile burning on plant communities and soil properties

    Advisors: Dr. Meghan Midgley and Tony Del Vallé

    Jake Jagiello, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Project: Legacy effects of Curly dock (Rumex crispus) on plant communities and soil properties in tallgrass prairie

    Advisors: Dr. Meghan Midgley and Emma Leavens

    Emily Myers, Franklin and Marshall College

    Project: Comparative drought tolerance of urban tree species in Illinois

    Advisors: Dr. Luke McCormack and Marvin Lo

    Arnan Pawawongsak, The University of Texas at Austin

    Project: Geographic and taxonomic boundaries between Post oak (Quercus stellata) and Shinnery oak (Quercus havardii)

    Advisors: Dr. Chuck Cannon and Sam Panock

  • Major funding was provided by the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, NSF Research Experience for Post-Baccalaureate Students, and Morton Salt; additional funding is noted below.

    Luis Alvarez, Aurora University

    Project: Investigating oak decline at The Morton Arboretum

    Advisors: Dr. Stephanie Adams, Dr. Christy Rollinson, and Lucien Fitzpatrick

    Norbaya Durr, Elmhurst College

    Project: Hyperaccumulation impacts on phylo-community composition, nutrient cycling and functional trait diversity across the phylogeny of herbaceous prairie plants

    Advisor: Dr. Meghan Midgley

    Angelina Harley, Clemson University

    Project: Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) defense response to different elicitors

    Advisor: Dr. Chad Rigsby

    Chloe Hendrikse, Ohio University

    Project: How accurately STRUCTURE can identify hybrids when comparing different numbers of species

    Advisors: Dr. Sean Hoban, Austin Koontz, and Emily Schumacher

    Claire Henley, Michigan State University

    Project: Natural variation within and among shinnery oak (Quercus havardii) clones in a Texas hybrid population, particularly in response to strong drought conditions

    Advisors: Dr. Chuck Cannon and Sam Panock

    Jorge Jaime-Rivera, University of Miami

    Project: Root trait trade-offs within and across phylogenetic clades of tallgrass prairie plants

    Advisor: Dr. Meghan Midgley

    Ian Lauderback, University of Tennessee

    Project: The long-term effects of injection treatments on Fraxinus pennsylvanica

    Advisors: Dr. Jake Miesbauer and Abigail Tumino

    Marshall McCall, Emory University

    Project: Root traits drive variation in exudation rates among temperate tree species

    Advisor: Dr. Meghan Midgley

    Kelsey Patrick, Aurora University

    Project: Root responses of congeneric species to waterlogging

    Advisors: Dr. Luke McCormack and Marvin Lo

    Josephine Schall, University of Chicago

    Project: Opening a Gateway: How we can best engage with future tree scientists

    Advisor: Dr. Chai-Shian Kua

    Primary funding provided by the University of Chicago Jeff Metcalf Internship Program

    Madelyn Thompson, Samford University

    Project: Morphological distinction between Acer saccharum var. schneckii and var. saccharum: How to tell these cryptic varieties of sugar maple apart

    Advisors: Dr. Richard Condit, Dr. Andrew Hipp, Dr. William Finch, Dr. Brian Keener, and Senna Robeson

    Isabella Vergara, Grinnell College

    Project: The contributions of roots, fungi, and free-living microbes to soil respiration for diverse tree species

    Advisors: Dr. Luke McCormack and Marvin Lo

  • Theodore James Bohdanowycz, Washtenaw Community College

    Project: U.S. wild harvested tree species: A conservation snapshot

    Advisors: Dr. Jessica Turner-Skoff, Dr. Murphy Westwood, and Christina Carrero

    Symposium presentation

    Andrew Ernat, Iowa State University

    Project: Exploring remotely sensed data as an indicator of phenological sensitivity in oaks

    Advisors: Dr. Christy Rollinson and Lucien Fitzpatrick

    Symposium presentation

    Maddie Fernandez-Laris, DePaul University

    Project: Exploring barriers to recruitment of transplanted seedlings of the endangered Quercus brandegeei

    Advisor: Dr. Silvia Alvarez Clare

    Symposium presentation

    Janey R. Lienau, Wheaton College

    Project: The effects of forest type on ground beetle abundance and diversity

    Advisors: Dr. Meghan Midgley and Dr. Rob Buchkowski

    Symposium presentation

    Katelyn McBride, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Project: Sap flow variation in response to environmental factors in American sycamores

    Advisors: Dr. Chuck Cannon and Sam Panock

    Symposium presentation

    Tanya R. Perez, The University of Texas at San Antonio

    Project: Tree growth in response to slope in a highway setting

    Advisors: Dr. Jake Miesbauer and Dr. Allyson Salisbury

    Kaylee J. Rosenberger, Northern Illinois University

    Project: Sampling to capture the most genetic diversity when population sizes vary in a rare species

    Advisors: Dr. Sean Hoban and Emily Schumacher

    Symposium presentation

    Pranav Sai, Colorado College

    Project: Processing and analyzing LiDAR scans of trees

    Advisors: Dr. Chuck Cannon and Colby Borchetta

    Leslie M. Vargas, The University of the South

    Project: Early detection and rapid response: Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) monitoring

    Advisors: Dr. Chai-Shian Kua, Tricia Bethke, and Dr. Chuck Cannon

    Funding provided by: Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program and Morton Salt

    Symposium presentation

  • Major funding was provided by the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and Morton Salt; other funding sources are noted below.

    Andrew Archundia, Elmhurst College

    Project: Tree physiology and soil amendments in highway environments

    Advisors: Dr. Jake Miesbauer and Dr. Allyson Salisbury

    Alice Bieda, Macalester College

    Project: Investigating phylogenetic trends in vole herbivory patterns on tallgrass prairie species

    Advisors: Dr. Andrew Hipp and Marlene Hahn

    Funding provided by: National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates supplemental funding

    Mariah Casmey, Carleton College

    Project: Using open source data to identify conservation priorities at large spatial scales

    Advisors: Dr. Murphy Westwood, Christina Carrero, and Emily Beckman Bruns

    Perry Giambuzzi, University of the Sciences

    Project: Comparison of wood growth sensitivity to timing of optimal temperatures among trees varying in xylem anatomy and mycorrhizal association

    Advisor: Dr. Christy Rollinson

    Sydney Kaplan, Illinois Institute of Technology

    Project: Drones for tree science: multi-sensor 3D modeling and precise canopy sampling

    Advisors: Dr. Chuck Cannon and Dr. Matthew Spenko

    Gabriela Krochmal, Loyola University Chicago

    Project: Tree growth responses to chronic fertilization in a lowland tropical rainforest

    Advisors: Dr. Silvia Alvarez Clare and Dr. Richard Condit

    Jessica Langguth, Ohio University

    Project: Fine-root functional traits across the gymnosperm phylogeny

    Advisor: Dr. Luke McCormack

    Jamilys Rivera, University of Puerto Rico

    Project: Comparison of growth and recovery in response to drought stress across wood types

    Advisor: Dr. Christy Rollinson

    Ella Segal, Rice University

    Project: The impacts of fine root mass and soil nitrogen availability on nitrogen uptake rate in trees

    Advisors: Dr. Meghan Midgley and Dr. Ray Dybzinski

    Bailie Fredlock Munoz (program participant), Trinity Christian College

    Project: Botanic garden populations of Quercus havardii: are we conserving enough genetic diversity?

    Advisor: Dr. Sean Hoban

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science Research Technician Fellowship (RTF)

  • The Center for Tree Science would like to thank Morton Salt for their generous contribution to the 2018 undergraduate research program; additional funding is noted below.

    Alyssa L. Barrantes-Leonard, Augustana College

    Project: Species richness protects prairie species from vole herbivory

    Advisors: Dr. Andrew Hipp and Mary-Claire Glasenhardt

    Funding provided by: National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates supplemental funding

    Cori L. Butkiewicz, University of Maryland

    Project: Forests on the edge: climate, soil, and fire on the prairie-forest boundary

    Advisor: Dr. Christy Rollinson

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and Center for Tree Science

    Elizabeth M. Gibbons, Michigan State 

    Project: A phylogenetic analysis of biodiversity in an oak dominated forest of the Chicago region

    Advisor: Dr. Andrew Hipp

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and Center for Tree Science

    Lydia Schlaefke, Michigan State

    Project: Root regeneration after fall and spring root severance of two common urban tree species, Acer platanoides and Betula nigra

    Advisor: Dr. Gary Watson

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and the Center for Tree Science

    Rachel S. Sims, Valparaiso University

    Project: Leaf habit versus mycorrhizal fungi association: A framework for predicting tree species effects on soil

    Advisor: Dr. Meghan Midgley

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and Center for Tree Science

    Ashley A. Wojciechowski, North Central College

    Project: Foliar nutrient concentrations of understory plants in a chronically fertilized lowland tropical wet forest in Costa Rica

    Advisor: Dr. Silvia Alvarez Clare

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and Center for Tree Science

    Alice Bieda (high school intern), Downers Grove North High School 

    Project: Species richness protects prairie species from vole herbivory

    Advisor: Dr. Andrew Hipp and Mary-Claire Glasenhardt

    Marion Deal (high school intern), Downers Grove North High School 

    Project: Species richness protects prairie species from vole herbivory

    Advisor: Dr. Andrew Hipp and Mary-Claire Glasenhardt

    Amayrani Sanchez (high school intern), Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    Project: Foliar nutrient concentrations of understory plants in a chronically fertilized lowland tropical wet forest in Costa Rica

    Advisor: Dr. Silvia Alvarez Clare

    Mary Ashley Tenedor (high school intern), Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

    Project: Foliar nutrient concentrations of understory plants in a chronically fertilized lowland tropical wet forest in Costa Rica

    Advisor: Dr. Silvia Alvarez Clare

  • The Center for Tree Science would like to thank Morton Salt for their generous contribution to the 2017 undergraduate research program; other funding as noted.

    Amy Byrne, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Project: Diversity mechanisms shape first-year survivorship in a phylogenetic and functional diversity prairie restoration experiment

    Advisor: Dr. Andrew Hipp

    Funding provided by: National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates supplemental funding

    Sara Desmond, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Project: Latitude predicts leaf size in bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

    Advisor: Dr. Andrew Hipp

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science

    Alyssa Gao, Dartmouth College

    Project: Examining the effects of bacterial leaf scorch on the leaves of Quercus mongolica trees within The Morton Arboretum collection

    Advisor: Dr. Chuck Cannon

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and Center for Tree Science

    Taskeen Khan, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Project: The Impact of Injury on Sap Flow in Quercus palustris

    Advisor: Dr. Chuck Cannon

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and the Center for Tree Science

    Sierra Lopezalles, California Institute of Technology

    Project: Effects of prescribed burn regime on the growth of mature trees in Midwest oak forests

    Advisor: Dr. Christy Rollinson

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and Center for Tree Science

    Kathryn (Katie) McGee, James Madison University

    Project: The effect of prescribed fire regimes on seedling regeneration and nitrogen dynamics in an oak forest

    Advisor: Dr. Silvia Alvarez Clare

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and Center for Tree Science

    Samantha Panock, Loyola University Chicago

    Project: Uncovering belowground properties of urban forests: The relationship between root systems, soil characteristics, and fungal communities in deciduous and evergreen trees at The Morton Arboretum

    Advisor: Dr. Meghan Midgley

    Funding provided by: Morton Salt and the Center for Tree Science

  • Mackenzie Coden, Northwestern University

    Project: Testing protocols for preserving oak leaf tissue and extracting DNA for use in oak conservation genetic studies

    Advisor: Dr. Sean Hoban

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science

    Alison McGarigal, Colorado College

    Project: Comparing the efficiency and accuracy of digital photography and laser-based technique in conducting forest surveys

    Advisor: Dr. Chuck Cannon

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science

    Quinn Taylor, University of San Diego

    Project: Burn forest burn: effects of annual burning of forest soils

    Advisor: Dr. Meghan Midgley

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science

    Kirsten Triller, University of Northwestern-St. Paul

    Project: Environmental impact and influence on urban tree health of biochar and biosolids

    Advisor: Dr. Bryant Scharenbroch

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science

    Kasey Pham, Michigan State University

    Project: A time and place for everything: The shifting predictors of genetic diversity in the oak chloroplast

    Advisor: Dr. Andrew Hipp

    Funding provided by: National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates supplemental funding

  • Mary Babiez, DePaul University

    Project: The correlation between basal isoprene emissions and climate of the native range within oak species

    Advisor: Dr. Mark Potosnak

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science

    Bruce Jake Berger, University of Wisconsin – Madison

    Project: Isolating the invasive mechanisms of non-native canopy trees on white oak and sugar maple seedling growth

    Advisor: Dr. Robert Fahey

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science

    Jacob Cerminar, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

    Project: Biosolids and biochars initial effects on environmental quality in urban soil

    Advisor: Dr. Bryant Scharenbroch

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science

    Angélica Bannwart Lopes, West Virginia University and Universidade Federal de Viçosa

    Project: Testing the accuracy of imaging software to measure tree root volumes

    Advisor: Dr. Jason Miesbauer

    Funding provided by: Center for Tree Science

    Erin Pfarr, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

    Project: Genome sizing of wild collected weigela and weigela cultivars

    Advisor: Joseph Rothleutner

    Funding provided by: The Daniel P. Haerther Charitable Trust

    Nick Steichmann, Augustana College

    Project: Hybridization across the bur oak range

    Advisor: Dr. Andrew Hipp

    Funding provided by: National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates

  • Breane Budaitis, Ohio Wesleyan University

    Project: Inferring the history of morphological diversification in sedges

    Advisor: Dr. Andrew Hipp

    Interns: Alexa Cotton and Kasey Pham

    Elizabeth (Liz) Carter, DePaul University

    Project: Do oak species that are genetically associated with warmer climatic niches have greater isoprene emission rates?

    Advisor: Dr. Mark Potosnak

    Erik Desotelle, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

    Project: Assessing performance of volunteers to monitor the urban forest

    Advisors: Dr. Bryant Scharenbroch and Dr. Lara Roman

    Christina Fites, Indiana University – South Bend

    Project: Carbon storage and dynamics of The Morton Arboretum

    Advisor: Emma Bialecki

    Stuart Hupp, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

    Project: Oak seedling survival and growth in relation to canopy structure and understory competition

    Advisor: Dr. Robert Fahey

    Kathrine Klaus, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Project: Towards a sustainable designer urban soil for trees

    Advisors: Dr. Bryant Scharenbroch and Michelle Catania

    Brian Maule, Northern Illinois University

    Project: Effects of urban trees and green infrastructure on water quality and runoff

    Advisor: Dr. Bryant Scharenbroch

    Felipe Santich, University of California – Davis

    Project: Assessing the use of morphological characteristics to predict branch attachment strength

    Advisor: Dr. Jason Miesbauer

Alumni News

Find out what past Center for Tree Science Undergraduate Researchers have been doing since their time at The Morton Arboretum.

Spring 2023 Update

Mary Jordan Babiez (2015) completed an undergraduate degree from DePaul University and went on to earn a master’s degree in plant biology from Rutgers in 2018, specializing in plant pathology. She worked at the Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Lab and wrote a manual for the lab based on their samples: Pathogens and Pests Encountered on Plants in New Jersey, 2001–2017. She was married in June 2022 to a fellow DePaul graduate who introduced her to the research project at The Morton Arboretum in 2015. They both moved to New Jersey to attend Rutgers, purchased their first home, and she now works as a sales arborist with SavATree.

Bruce Jake Berger (2015) completed a master’s degree in environmental science and a master of public affairs degree in December 2019 from Indiana University Bloomington. He continues his work at the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System compliance inspector and enforcement officer, doing industrial and municipal water pollution inspections and case management to bring water polluters into compliance with their permits and local, state, and federal laws. He was married in October 2022 and enjoyed a honeymoon in Greece. 

Norbaya Jameela Durr (2020–2022) recently graduated from Elmhurst University with a bachelor of science degree in biology and English, a minor in chemistry and a scholar’s title in the honors program. She is currently on a Fulbright Scholarship, teaching English and developing a scientific language arts project. She will also be performing community and cultural work and would like to volunteer or work with Maun, Botswana’s conservation research facilities. She spent three summers working at the Arboretum and is currently working with her mentor to publish the research in a peer-reviewed journal. She loves doing interdisciplinary research and plans to pursue that path by attending graduate school next year. 

Elizabeth Huang (2022) is currently a sophomore at Whitman College, double majoring in English and geology, and she plans to continue seeking out research opportunities before attending graduate school. She was asked to present a paper she wrote about the Arab Spring at the Whitman College Undergraduate Conference, analyzing a piece of realistic fiction that explores totalitarianism in a fictional Middle Eastern state. She continues to provide feedback and edits on the project she worked on as a Center for Tree Science Research Technician Fellow, and the experience encouraged her to continue pursuing a career in Environmental Science.  

Gabriela Krochmal (2019–2021) graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. She is currently completing a master of science degree in forestry and natural resources at Purdue University with the Forest Advanced Computing and Artificial Intelligence Lab. She presented at the Forest Inventory and Analysis Stakeholder conference on the “Shade tolerance of tree species and drivers of successional change across the contiguous United States.” Over the course of three summers at the Arboretum, she gained experience with a wide range of fieldwork techniques and tools that now help her plan and conduct fieldwork for her own research. This field season, she will be visiting 60 private forests across Indiana and extracting over 600 tree cores.

Loren Ladd (2021) completed her undergraduate degree at Wheaton College and plans to attend graduate school. She is currently working as a viticulture technician for a vineyard management company in the heart of Oregon wine country. The position involves various field sampling techniques, agricultural data analysis, viticulture-related experimentation, and client communication. She also joined a local forestry and conservation club, which she attributes to the lingering positive impact of her time at the Arboretum. Her work as a Center for Tree Science Research Technician Fellow reinforced her desire to enter the field of conservation and provided a realistic perspective on how research and management practices are connected. 

Kamil Orozco (2021) has completed her undergraduate degree at Dominican University and is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental management at the Duke University Nicholas School for the Environment. She is currently working part-time in a toxicology lab at Duke University, as well as for Durham Parks and Recreation, and states her summer at the Arboretum helped narrow down what she wanted to do with her environmentally focused education. As a lifelong resident of Chicago, she was excited to move and get her first apartment, enjoying the amazing North Carolina weather and many new experiences.  

Kasey Pham (2014–2017) finished their bachelor of science and master of science degrees, and is currently pursuing a PhD in botany at the University of Florida. Pham is the first author on a textbook chapter in the Encyclopedia of Biodiversity (in press), has a paper in review at The Plant Journal, and is a workshop organizer for Botany 2023, as well as a presenter. Pham noted that the Arboretum is still one of the warmest, most affirming research spaces they have experienced in their career, and convinced them to go into research in plant science and obtain a PhD. 

Student Blog Series

Student researchers in the annual REU program use trees as model systems to investigate questions related to evolution, ecology, conservation, and management in natural and built environments.

Individuals gain direct experience in all aspects of a research project, from researching the primary literature to sampling design, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting at a final symposium.

Learn about their projects and experiences first-hand in this Student Blog Series, launched in the summer of 2022.