Donald R. Kaplan Memorial Lecture

Dr. Pamela Diggle, University of Connecticut

Jacob S. Suissa, Andrews A. Agbleke, William E. Friedman. 
A bump in the node: The hydraulic implications of rhizomatous growth. 
American Journal of Botany, January 2023 110(1): e16105

Sunday A. Adeniran, University of Ilorin

Ellie Becklund, University of Connecticut and Ohio University

Timothy James Biewer-Heisler, Indiana University

Betsy Justus Briju, G.S.Gawande College

Marco Chiminazzo, São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Dylan Cohen, Chicago Botanic Garden

Israel L. Cunha-Neto, New York University

Hilary Rose Dawson, Australian National University

Jessamine Finch, Atlanta Botanical Garden

Vikas Garhwal, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata

Ash Hamilton, University of Chicago / The Morton Arboretum

Wen-Hsi Kuo, Missouri Botanical Garden

Isabela Lima Borges, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Oranys Marin, University of Utah

Mason McNair, Michigan State University

Damilola Odumade, University of Kansas

Rebecca Penny, Aquinas College

Diana Karen Pérez Lara, EAFIT University

Malka Sava, Quaid-i-Azam University

Nathalia Susin Streher, University of Pittsburgh

Mariana Vazquez, Connecticut College

Yannick Woudstra, Stockholm University

Eric Yee, University of Pittsburgh

Wenbin Zhou, UNC Chapel Hill

Rina Talaba, Chicago Botanic Gardens and Northwestern University

Katherine Wolcott, University of Miami

Jenny Xiang

Outgoing BSA Student Representative to the Board

Josh Felton

AJ Harris Graduate Student Research Award
This award is named in honor of the late Dr. AJ Harris whose research spanned traditional specimen-based science, paleobotany, phylogenomics, biogeography, and computational biology. This award will be given in conjunction with the Graduate Student Research Awards, and will be given to a graduate student whose research is representative of one of the areas above.

Nora Heaphy, University of Vermont, For the Proposal: Adaptive introgression and demographic structure in a keystone northern forest tree

Donald R. Kaplan Dissertation Award in Comparative Morphology
This award was created to promote research in plant comparative morphology. The Kaplan family has established an endowed fund, administered through the Botanical Society of America, to support the Ph.D. research of graduate students in this area.

Oluwatobi Oso, Yale University, for the Proposal: Comparative Morphology of Leaf Development: Bud Packing and Cellular Mechanisms Driving Evolution Across Latitudinal Gradients.

HONORABLE MENTION:
Christopher Joaquín Muñoz, The University of Texas at El Paso, for the Proposal: Trait Evolution in Hebecarpa (Polygalaceae).

The BSA Graduate Student Research Award including the J. S. Karling Award
The BSA Graduate Student Research Awards support graduate student research and are made on the basis of research proposals and letters of recommendations. Withing the award group is the Karling Graduate Student Research Award. This award was instituted by the Society in 1997 with funds derived through a generous gift from the estate of the eminent mycologist, John Sidney Karling (1897-1994), and supports and promotes graduate student research in the botanical sciences.

The J. S. Karling Graduate Student Research Award

Anthony Garcia, University of Washington, For the Proposal: Developmental genetics of carpel innovations mediating pollination

The BSA Graduate Student Research Awards

Katherin Arango-Gómez, Louisiana State University, For the Proposal: Exploring Montane Forests to Unveil Patterns of Range Sizes in the Neotropical genus Cavendishia (Ericaceae) ¾ A phylogenetic approach

Shawn Arreguin, University of Illinois at Chicago, For the Proposal: Urbanization and its impact on reproductive strategies: A case study of cleistogamy in Lamium amplexicaule

Louisa Bartkovich, University of Toronto, For the Proposal: Decoupling the effects of warming and canopy cover on reproductive phenology in the spring ephemeral Erythronium americanum

Rachel L. Benway, Syracuse University, For the Proposal: Fungal Community Shifts Across the Temperate-Boreal Ecotone

Lena Berry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, For the Proposal: Physiological Function of Transfusion Tracheids in the Cupressaceae

Charles Boissavy, Claremont Graduate University (California Botanic Garden), For the Proposal: Phylogenetics, Taxonomy, Trait Evolution, and Biogeography of the Latifolia Clade in Eriogonum

Rachel O. Cohen, Columbia University, For the Proposal: An investigation of haustoria-associated genes in the facultative hemi-parasite Pedicularis groenlandica

María Cuervo-Gómez, University of Florida, For the Proposal: Influence of autopolyploidization on the phenotype and vulnerability to drought and heat in Arabidopsis thaliana

Cael Dant, Northwestern University, For the Proposal: Understanding the impact of prey type and the pitcher microbiome on physiological success of the carnivorous plant Sarracenia purpurea

Mahima Dixit, Claremont Graduate University, For the Proposal: Phylogeny, Phytochemistry, and Taxonomy of Eriogonum subg. Ganysma with a Focus on the E. deflexum Complex (Polygonaceae)

Sanika Goray, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, For the Proposal: A multifaceted approach to explore the taxonomic identity of an endemic, polymorphic Balsam from the Western Ghats, India

Anupreksha Jain, University of Wisconsin - Madison, For the Proposal: Plant-pollinator interactions after drought: integrating plant physiology, floral rewards, and pollinator behavior

Jeffrey Keeling, University of Texas at El Paso, For the Proposal: Eriophorum vaginatum phytobiome in central, northern Alaska

Kyla Knauf, Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden, For the Proposal: From Flowers to Seeds: Understanding the Effects of Climate Change on Rocky Mountain Wildflower Phenology and Reproduction

Kiona A. Leeman, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, For the Proposal: Aphyllon assembly: elucidating the phylogenetics of a genus of non-photosynthetic angiosperms using the Angiosperms353 probe kit

Benjamin Lloyd, University of Washington, For the Proposal: A Deep Learning Approach to the Phylogenetic Placement of Fossil Grass Silica Short Cell Phytoliths

Victoria Martinez Mercado, Northwestern University, For the Proposal: Multi-omic Approach for Pollen Banking in Asimina triloba: A Model for Conservation

Charli Minsavage-Davis, Georgetown University, For the Proposal: Testing for adaptation in the clonal salt marsh grass Spartina patens with a novel coalescent model and DNA-sequence polymorphisms

Whitney A. Murchison-Kastner, Tulane Univresity, For the Proposal: Investigating parallel evolution in two Mimulus species using comparative quantitative trait loci mapping

Nicole Phelan, University of Vermont, For the Proposal: Resolving Hybrid Origins in a Wild Sunflower (Helianthus) Species Complex

Riya Rampalli, Columbia University, For the Proposal: Consequences of sexual dimorphism on the evolution of amaranths: insights from hybrid recombination maps and genetic incompatibilities

Yanã Rizzieri, Cornell University, For the Proposal: Investigating genome evolution in the water ferns (Salviniales) and its relationship to heterospory

Rhuthuparna S B., Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, India, For the Proposal: Outcrossing to selfing: Understanding the functional and evolutionary implications of herkogamy in an enantiostylous genus

Yogesh Sharma, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India, For the Proposal: Floristic Studies of The Diversity of Grasses (Agrostology) in Haryana, India: A Comprehensive Survey and Digital Documentation

Sarah Ellen Strickland, University of Flordia, For the Proposal: How do they handle the heat? A Comparison of allopolyploid Tragopogon miscellus and its diploid parents under heat and drought stress

Daniel Wehner, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, For the Proposal: An Uphill Battle: Seed dispersal and mycorrhizal constraints on the climate-driven upslope migration of trees species in the northeastern U.S.

The BSA Undergraduate Student Research Awards
The BSA Undergraduate Student Research Awards support undergraduate student research and are made on the basis of research proposals and letters of recommendation.

Andrew Conlon, Emory University, For the Proposal: Determining Selective Cytotoxic and Antibiotic Properties of Teucrium flavum L. for Public Safety and Medical Advancement. Co-authors: Dr. Cassandra Quave, Dr. Tharanga Samarakoon, Nadia Aziz, Marco Caputo

Lena Kadau, University of South Carolina, For the Proposal: Seed Mucilage Trait Evolution Across Populations and Species of Linum.

Will Pearce, University of Utah, For the Proposal: Intraspecific Variation and Species Boundaries of the Desert Gooseberries (Ribes series microphylla). Co-author: Dr. Rodolfo Probst

Alex Risdal, Loyola University Chicago, For the Proposal: Habitat Evaluation and Species Distribution Modeling for Michigan’s Bladderworts (Utricularia spp.). Co-authors: Dr. Brian Ohsowski, Dr. Mike Grillo, Shane Lishawa

Nicole Stark, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, For the Proposal: Uncovering the Origin and Genomic Mechanism of Dioecy in the Family Fabaceae.

Brooke C. Tillotson, SUNY Cortland, For the Proposal: Investigating the correlation between homeolog bias and differences in phenotype and pigment composition in Nicotiana quadrivalvis and N. clevelandii allopolyploids.

The Botany and Beyond: PLANTS Grants Recipients
The PLANTS (Preparing Leaders and Nurturing Tomorrow’s Scientists: Increasing the diversity of plant scientists) program recognizes outstanding undergraduates from diverse backgrounds and provides travel grant.

Ormary Alvarez, Lehman College, Advisor: Cecilia Zumajo

Mickie Barraza, New Mexico State University, Advisor: Sara Fuentes -Soriano

Abbigale Baum, Utah Valley University, Advisor: Michael C. Rotter

Kathryn Bourlier, Old Dominion University, Advisor: Erik Yando

Leo Case, Oregon State University, Advisor: Gail Langellotto

Gianna Claude, Old Dominion University, Advisor: Nicholas Flanders

James Davis, Oklahoma state university, Advisor: Cody Howard

Muriel Draper, Old Dominion University, Advisor: Erik Yando

Marissa Falla, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Advisor: Mare Nazaire

Nova Hodgson, Oregon State University, Advisor: Gar Rothwell

Abigail Kohn, University of Michigan, Advisor: Selena Smith

Jada Martinez, University of North Texas, Advisor: Elinor Lichtenberg

Marissa Mc Lean, SUNY Cortland, Advisor: Elizabeth McCarthy

Victor Melendez Maldonado, Christopher Newport University, Advisor: Janet Steven

Maylin On, Cal Poly Humboldt, Advisor: Alana Chin

Tyler Radtke, University of Florida, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Advisor: Pam Soltis, Doug Soltis

Andrew Ruegsegger, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Advisor: Maribeth Latvis

Charlotte Saltsman, Murray State University, Advisor: Ingrid Jordon-Thaden

Icyss Sargeant, Louisiana State University, Advisor: Laura Lagomarsino

Alysha Schjelderup, University of California Santa Cruz, Advisor: Jarmilla Pitterman

Dailyn Wold, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Advisor: Nora Mitchell

The BSA Young Botanist Awards
The purpose of these awards is to offer individual recognition to outstanding graduating seniors in the plant sciences and to encourage their participation in the Botanical Society of America.

Certificate of Special Achievement

Sabilah Alibhai, Connecticut College, Advisor: Rachel Spicer

Sofía Elizabeth Báez, Old Dominion University, Advisor: Lisa Wallace

Edie L. Banovic, Connecticut College, Advisor: Rachel Spicer

Tori Barrow, Colorado College, Advisor: Rachel Jabaily

Rebecca Beneroff, Bucknell University, Advisor: Chris Martine

Ana Bermudez, Connecticut College, Advisor: Rachel Spicer

Kendall Cross, St. Cloud State University, Advisor: Angela McDonnell

Olivia Demetrakopoulos, University of Guelph, Advisor: Edeline Gagnon

Madison N. Dimarco, University of South Carolina, Advisor: Eric LoPresti

Andy Dorsel, Bucknell University, Advisor: Chris Martine

Sebastian Fernandez, University of Florida, Advisor: Makenzie Mabry

Addison Gensch, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Advisor: Alexandra Crum

Alise Catherine Griffiths, University of Guelph, Advisor: Christina Caruso

Kaitlin Henry, Bucknell University, Advisor: Chris Martine

Lena P. Kadau, University of South Carolina, Advisor: Eric LoPresti

Aspen Mazzatta, University of Tennessee, Advisor: Jessica Budke

Caelen McCabe, University of Guelph, Advisor: Christina Caruso

Anna Mele, Portland State University, Advisor: Mitch Cruzan

Elisabeth Moore, Barnard College, Advisor: Hilary Callahan

Abigail Motter, Bucknell University, Advisor: Chris Martine

PJ Newhart, Bucknell University, Advisor: Chris Martine

Diandra Polt, Brown University, Advisor: Rebecca Kartzinel

Tyler Radtke, University of Florida, Advisor: Makenzie Mabry\

Charlotte Saltsman, Murray State University, Advisor: Ingrid Jordon-Thaden

Yash Kumar Singhal, University of Toronto, Advisor: John Stinchcombe

Isabel Smalley, University of Minnesota Duluth, Advisor: Amanda Grusz

Torrance Wagner, Connecticut College, Advisor: Rachel Spicer

The BSA Student and PostDoc Travel Awards
Winners were selected by lottery

Dan J. Coles

Amadeu dos Santos-Neto

Vandana Gurung

Kiona A. Leeman

Whitney Murchison-Kastner

Kasey K. Pham

Mia Stevens

Marisa Blake Szubryt

Yannick Woudstra

Matthew Yamamoto

Awards for Students - Given by the Sections

Student Presentation and Poster Awards

Student Travel Awards

Southeastern Section Student Presentation Awards
The following winners were selected from the Association of Southeastern Biologists meeting that took place at the end of March, 2025.

Southeastern Section Paper Presentation Award
Daniel Stanton, UF IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center

Southeastern Section Poster Presentation Award
Annabelle Mayes, Georgia Southern University

Bryological and Lichenological Section Student Travel Awards

Jeremy W. Howland, City University of New York, Advisor: James Lendemer, For the Presentation: Karinomyces (Pilocarpaceae), a new genus for the Appalachian endemic Schadonia saulskelleyana supported by molecular and phenotypic data

Zoe Ryan, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Advisor: Ken Cameron, For the Presentation: Open-source software integration: A tutorial on species distribution mapping and ecological niche modeling

Developmental & Structural Section Student Travel Awards

Sarita Munoz-Gomez, Auburn University; Advisor: Daniel S. Jones; For the Presentation: Dioecy and sex determination across the development of the dioecious genus Baccharis (Asteraceae)

Austin Nguyen, University of Kansas; Advisor: Kelly Matsunaga; For the Presentation: Duplication and subfunctionalization of AGAMOUS genes in the cypress family (Cupressaceae)

Ecological Section Student Travel Awards

Arezoo Fani, University of Kansas; Advisor: John Kelly; For the Presentation: Transgenerational Plasticity Enhances Offspring Fitness in Competitive Environments Through Epigenetic Mechanisms

Jill M. Love, Tulane University; Advisor: Kathleen Ferris; For the Presentation: Investigating the adaptive significance of leaf shape plasticity in a California endemic plant, Mimulus laciniatus

Alex Risdal, Loyola University Chicago; Advisor: Brian Ohsowski; For the Presentation: Modeling a Murderer: Determining the Ecological Requirements of Michigan’s Bladderworts

Genetics Section Student Travel Awards

Seongyeon Kang, University of Arizona, Advisor: Michael S. Barker, For the Presentation: Inferring ancient tetraploidy and hexaploidy using a machine learning approach. Co-authors: Michael McKibben and Michael S. Barker

Economic Botany Section Student Travel Awards

Tabassum Tamima, St. Cloud State University, For the Presentation: Management of Chilli Leaf Curl Virus (ChLCV) of Chilli using selected Agrobotanicals, Raw cow milk, Bioagent and Insecticide under field condition

Pteridological Section & American Fern Society Student Travel Awards

Max Botz, University of Minnesota Duluth, Advisor: Amanda Grusz, For the Presentation: Does abiotic environment shape patterns of polyploidy and reproductive mode in ferns?

Dusty Prater, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Advisor: Jacob S. Suissa, For the Presentation: Putting ferns on the map: global patterns of wide-ranging fern species

Systematics Section Student Travel Awards

Mahima Dixit – Claremont Graduate University/California Botanic Garden

Jared B. Meek – Columbia University

Vernon I. Cheadle Student Travel Awards (BSA in association with the Developmental and Structural Section)

This award was named in honor of the memory and work of Dr. Vernon I. Cheadle.

Andrea D. Appleton, Harvard University, Advisor: Elena Kramer, For the Presentation: Morphological and developmental novelties within the intricate androecium of Loasaceae

Jaxon Reiter, University of Lethbridge, Advisor: Dr. Elizabeth Schultz, For the Presentations: “Alles ist Blatt ” — The Role of Auxin in Gynoecium Development: Insights from Leaf Patterning Genes and Ovule Defects in Arabidopsis thaliana PIN Localization Pathway Mutants Lead to Reduced Seed Set

Niall S. Whalen, Florida State University, Advisor: Gregory Erickson, For the Presentation: Phytolith Morphological Diversity Across the Gymnosperm Phylogeny—Implications for Phytolith Evolution and Their Paleobotanical Applications