Chicago Botanic Garden Spring 2020

18 chicagobotanic.org Graduates put plant science & The joint graduate program in plant biology and conser- vation offered by the Chica- go Botanic Garden and Northwestern University of- fers a unique graduate expe- rience that prepares stu- dents for a range of career opportunities. e master’s and doctoral students re- ceive advanced training in plant and soil ecology, evolution of plants and fungi, and applied conservation theory and methods. at skill set addresses a growing need for expertise in plant sci- ence and conservation. “Our graduate program prepares profes- sionals to be able to address critical envi- ronmental challenges,” said Gregory M. Mueller, Ph.D., chief scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science. e students go on to become scholars, leaders, and practitioners at universities, local and federal agencies, and public institutions. Here’s a closer look at the diverse experiences of ve graduates. Claire Ellwanger Master’s, September 2016 When she enrolled in the graduate pro- gram, Ellwanger wanted to do ecologi- cal conservation and species recovery work in an immediate, actionable way. Today, as a biologist in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Asheville Eco- logical Services O ce in North Caro- lina, she is ful lling that ambition, col- laborating with colleagues in the Department of Transportation and other federal agencies to ensure infra- structure projects minimize their eco- logical impact on threatened and en- dangered species as mandated by the Endangered Species Act. For her thesis project, Ellwanger con- ducted a genetic assessment of manage- ment and restoration practices target- ing the federally threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leu- cophaea) . is research laid the ground- work for her current project that exam- ines the genetic composition of the threatened shrub Virginia spiraea across its range. e goal is to create better- informed reintroductions of the spe- cies. But even in routine compliance mat- ters or projects for which she serves an advisory role, her lab training in the graduate program has proved indis- pensable. “I know the right questions to ask to make sure we get the answers we need to inform species recovery,” Ellwanger said. “When we’re cre- ating new populations or aug- menting existing ones, the best way we can do that is to mimic natural patterns of genetic diversity.” Finding solutions for our planet The three tracks of the joint graduate program in plant biology and conservation offered by the Garden and Northwestern University train plant scientists to tackle the issues of our time: • The research thesis master’s program provides a foundation in plant ecology, evolution, and conservation. • The non-thesis land management master’s is a one-year coursework and internship-based program that addresses current environmental issues. • The Ph.D. program produces leaders and scholars in plant biology and conservation.