PLANTS Grants
Preparing Leaders and Nurturing Tomorrows Scientists
Undergraduate Travel Awards: Enhancing Diversity at the Botanical Society of America Conferences

We are pleased to announce the PLANTS program funded by the National Science Foundation and Botanical Society of America to bring talented and diverse undergraduates to the BOTANY 2013 meeting on July 27-31, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

BOTANY 2013 is the annual scientific conference for the Botanical Society of America, American Bryological and Lichenological Society, American Fern Society, the American Society of Plant Taxonomists and the International Society for Plant Taxonomists..

The theme of the meetings this year is “Celebrating Diversity”. Topics range across all levels of botany and include talks on conservation, carnivorous plants, plant genomics, rhizosphere interactions, plant systematics, and botanical education. There are also a number of social functions, specifically targeted at students for networking and fun. The meetings are a great way to understand the breadth of botanical research and education, to meet undergraduate and graduate students with similar interests, and to network with professionals in your area of interest. This is really a friendly community, so please consider joining us!

The PLANTS program (Preparing Leaders and Nurturing Tomorrow’s Scientists: Increasing the diversity of plant scientists) will fund up to 12 undergraduates from throughout the US to attend the meeting, receive mentoring from graduate students, postdocs and faculty, and participate in networking events including the Diversity Luncheon and career-oriented activities. The program covers the normal costs of travel, registration, and food and accommodation at the meetings. An overview of the meetings is available at http://www.2013.botanyconference.org/

APPLICATIONS: Applications are accepted beginning February 1 and due by MARCH 15, 2013 and include completion of the online form providing your statement of interest, a letter of recommendation, and unofficical transcripts. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so the earlier you apply, the better. Applications are welcome from all undergraduates who have interest in plant science; the admissions goal is to create a diverse pool of students. The application form is located online at http://www.botany.org/awards/F_PLANTS.php. We encourage you to review the online form thoroughly before filling it out. Please have letters of recommendation and unofficial transcripts sent directly to Heather Cacanindin at HCacanindin@Botany.org.

MENTORS: In addition, we are soliciting names of graduate students, postdocs and faculty members who would like to serve as mentors during the meetings. Mentors work with PLANTS students and attend talks with them, introduce them to colleagues, network and generally make the meetings a welcoming place for them. Although costs are not covered for mentors, it is a very rewarding experience to mentor this group of students. Contact Ann Hirsch (ahirsch@ucla.edu) if you are interested in serving as a mentor.

CONTACTS: For further inquiries, please contact one of the organizers:
Ann Sakai -- aksakai@uci.edu Ann Hirsch -- ahirsch@ucla.edu
Heather Cacanindin -- hcacanindin@botany.org

DEADLINE: March 15, 2013