Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Kaitlin Allerton

Molecular Phylogenics and Conservation Biology

The California Floristic Province is a biodiversity hotspot, and around 30% of its plant species are endemic, so this is a special place for botanical exploration. My mentor’s project studies the Evolutionary Ecology of Rock Daisies. Over the past year, through URAP, I have learned molecular techniques involving DNA extraction, ITS, PCR and gel electrophoresis. The URAP summer stipend award will allow me to continue with what I have learned this past year as well as gain new insights into the next stage of analysis: develop an understanding of phylogenetic relationships. One of the aims and impactful aspects of this research is to help inform conservation efforts.

Message To Sponsor

Before URAP, I was unsure of how my longtime zeal for botany could align with academic pursuits. The mentorship and community through URAP has been an invaluable source of inspiration and support. The experiences I've had doing undergraduate research have absolutely influenced my hopes of applying to graduate school and continue studying Botany. Thank you for your support!