2023 Student Research Awards • Botanical Society of Western PA
Deadline: February 20, 2023

FOR DETAILS ON APPLICATION MATERIALS and other requirements, go to the BSWP 2023 Awards page.

Founded in 1886, the Botanical Society of Western Pennsylvania (BSWP) is one of the oldest botanical organizations in the country. To continue this long history of botanical curiosity and education, BSWP is excited to support undergraduate student research on the flora of Western Pennsylvania.

Eligibility: Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program or within one year of receiving an undergraduate degree. Either student or the student’s research mentor must be a member of the society. Become a member or to renew a membership here.

Scope: Research on any aspect of botany in Western Pennsylvania or immediate region. Projects may be broader in scale than Western Pennsylvania but must include at least one species found in the region. Any combination of field, greenhouse, lab, or herbarium work is supported.  

Amount: $500 per award, but higher amounts may be considered based on need. Three (3) awards are expected to be given in 2023.

DONATE HERE to contribute to these student awards.

Pay: 40 hrs./week at $16/hr. (technicians) and $17/hr. (crew leaders). Housing is either provided or subsidized, depending on location.

Position details: The Deer-Forest Study (https://deer.psu.edu) is long-term research project investigating the role of deer herbivory, soils, and competing vegetation on forest plant communities. We are seeking summer field technicians to assist with data collection on permanent plots on 4 study areas. Crew members will receive two weeks of training on using GPS to find plot locations, plant identification, and how to apply the study protocol. You will spend your days finding permanent forest inventory plots, identifying and quantifying the size and abundance of trees and understory plants, and recording and archiving the data you collect. You will gain valuable skills and experience in plant identification and conducting vegetation surveys.

Key qualifications: At least two years toward a natural resources baccalaureate degree; ability to hike off-trail for up to 2 miles while carrying equipment; demonstrated plant identification skills (as evidenced by a course in plant ID, such as dendrology, and/or field experience collecting vegetation data); ability to work independently and reliably without direct supervision in challenging field conditions; and possession of a valid driver’s license.

Crew Leaders: In addition to performing the duties described above, crew leaders must be able to successfully manage and lead a vegetation monitoring crew while they perform daily duties. This includes daily planning of plot visits, assessing access routes and equipment needs, and management/archiving of collected data.

Questions: Contact Justin Zweck at jzz5584@psu.edu

Application deadline: Applications reviewed as received.

To apply: Send a cover letter, résumé, transcripts, and contact information for three references (via email as a single pdf document). At least one reference should be able to comment on your plant identification skills. If you wish to be considered for a crew leader position, please explain in the cover letter your qualifications for supervising a field crew.

Email applications to:
Justin Zweck
College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Email: jzz5584@psu.edu