The Echinacea Project is offering several Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) internships during summer 2016. Apply to the Chicago Botanic Garden REU by 1 February 2016 at the CBG REU website. To increase your chance of selection, you are welcome to apply to both the CBG REU and the Echinacea Project REU program. The latter application is due 26 February 2016.
When applying to the CBG program. Be sure to select a project mentored by Wagenius as a top choice.
Both potential projects are also listed below.
Native bee declines and plant reproduction in fragmented prairies
The invasive potential of Echinacea pallida in western Minnesota
The Echinacea Project is looking for interested and enthusiastic summer researchers for the 2015 summer field season. Our project investigates how small population size and reduced genetic diversity influence individual fitness, population demographics, plant-insect interactions and evolution in the purple coneflower Echinacea angustifolia. We are seeking students with interests in plant population biology, evolution and quantitative genetics, plant-insect interactions, and conservation biology. We also encourage statisticians and computer scientists with an interest in ecology and evolution to apply. This REU (research experience for undergraduates) is a great opportunity for aspiring ecologists, conservation biologists, and evolutionary biologists to gain field research experience. This is a great opportunity for those with strong quantitative interests to gain experience managing data, programming, or modeling. All will learn about the ecology and evolution of plants in fragmented prairies! Read more general information about our field season!
Some of Team Echinacea 2013 looking for seedlings
Program Details
The main field season runs June through August. The exact start and end dates are negotiable. There is a $440/week stipend and housing and travel expenses to the research site are covered.
Independent project: You will develop an independent research project in consultation with the two principal investigators of the project, Stuart and Ruth. Projects can explore questions about the ecology and evolutionary biology of Echinacea angustifolia, another prairie plant species, or plant associated insects. All work occurs in the context of prairie remnants which allows projects to be directly applicable to conservation challenges of habitat fragmentation. Here are some examples of past projects: “Insect diversity in prairie remnants,” “The effect of remnant size on the diversity of Echinacea-visiting ant species,” “Effect of inbreeding on symmetry of floral display,” “Competition between Echinacea and thistles for pollinators, “Pollinating bees of Echinacea angustifolia: who gets the job done?,” “Flowering Phenology of the Prairie Forb E. angustifolia in Fragmented Populations,” “Ant species richness and abundance in Western Minnesotan prairie fragmented by large-scale agriculture,” and “Invasion by hybridization between native and non-native purple coneflowers.”
Qualifications: We are looking for undergraduate students who are willing to work outdoors in adverse conditions, exhibit patience, possess good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, work well independently and as part of a team, and have a strong interest in scientific research. During the summer, REU participants must be enrolled in an undergraduate institution and be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US or its possessions. Members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working.
How to apply
If you enjoy working outdoors and you are excited to learn about the ecology and evolution of plants in fragmented prairies, please apply for an REU with the Echinacea Project. Your application should include:
a cover letter, including the following…
Ilse, Gretel, and Ruth mapping plants.
why are you interested in this REU
what are your future plans
when you can start and end
a statement that you are eligible for the REU program
who will serve as your reference
your email and phone number
your resume
your transcript (unofficial OK)
one letter of recommendation (sent by your reference)
Send your application via email to echinaceaProject@gmail.com with the subject line “Summer REU intern application” by 27 February 2015. Format your cover letter, resume, and transcript as pdf files. Begin each file name with your surname.
Review of applications will begin on 27 February 2015. We’ll accept applications until positions are filled. Be sure to include an email address and phone number where you can be reached during March.
Members of groups underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply. Note: to increase your chances of working on the Echinacea Project as an REU, you should also apply to the REU program through the Chicago Botanic Garden. It’s a separate application process (closing on 1 February), but the same research experience.
More information
If you have any questions, contact Stuart via e-mail or phone (847-835-6978). Read about the project’s background.
The Echinacea Project is offering several Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) internships during summer 2014. Apply to the Chicago Botanic Garden REU by 2 February 2014 at the CBG REU website. To increase your chance of selection, you are welcome to apply to both the CBG REU and the Echinacea Project REU program. The latter application is due 27 February 2014.
When applying to the CBG program. Be sure to select a project mentored by Wagenius as a top choice. All three potential projects are also listed below.
Plant-herbivore interactions with hybrid Echinacea plants in native prairie
Pollination of Echinacea angustifolia
Reproduction in Fragmented Purple Prairie Clover Populations
Are you interested in gaining field research experience and learning about the ecology and evolution of plants in fragmented prairie habitat? If you are, then this REU (research experience for undergraduates) might be the opportunity you are looking for!
The Echinacea Project is looking for interested and enthusiastic summer field researchers for the 2014 summer field season. Our project investigates how small population size and reduced genetic diversity influence individual fitness, population demographics, plant-insect interactions and evolution in the purple coneflower Echinacea angustifolia. This is a great internship or summer co-op for aspiring ecologists, conservation biologists, and evolutionary biologists! Read more general information about our field season!
Some of Team Echinacea 2013 looking for seedlings
Program Details
The main field season runs June through August. The exact start and end dates are negotiable. There is a $440/week stipend and housing and travel expenses to the research site are covered.
Independent project: You will develop an independent research project in consultation with the two principle investigators of the project, Stuart and Ruth. Projects can explore questions about the ecology and evolutionary biology of Echinacea angustifolia, another prairie plant species, or plant associated insects. All work occurs in the context of prairie remnants which allows projects to be directly applicable to conservation challenges of habitat fragmentation. Here are some examples of past projects: “Insect diversity in prairie remnants,” “The effect of remnant size on the diversity of Echinacea-visiting ant species,” “Effect of inbreeding on symmetry of floral display,” “Competition between Echinacea and thistles for pollinators, “Pollinating bees of Echinacea angustifolia: who gets the job done?,” “Flowering Phenology of the Prairie Forb E. angustifolia in Fragmented Populations,” “Ant species richness and abundance in Western Minnesotan prairie fragmented by large-scale agriculture,” and “Invasion by hybridization between native and non-native purple coneflowers.”
Qualifications: College student, wants to work outdoors, is patient, has good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skill, willing to work hard even in inclement or hot conditions, and interested in research. During the summer, REU participants must be enrolled in an undergraduate institution and be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US or its possessions. Members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working.
How to apply
Ask yourself if you love being outdoors, if you are patient, if you can work independently, if you are willing to work hard in adverse conditions, and if you could be enthusiastic about this job. If you answer yes to these questions and you still want the job, please apply. Your application should include:
a cover letter, including the following…
Ilse, Gretel, and Ruth mapping plants.
why you’re interested
what your future plans are
when you can start and end
a statement that you are eligible for the REU program
who will serve as your reference
your email and phone number
your resume
your transcript (unofficial OK)
one letter of recommendation (sent by recommender)
Send your application via email to echinaceaProject@gmail.com with the subject line “Summer REU intern application” by 27 February 2014. Format your cover letter, resume, and transcript as pdf files. Begin each file name with your surname.
Review of applications will begin on 27 February 2014. We’ll accept applications until positions are filled. Be sure to include an email address and phone number where you can be reached during March.
Members of groups underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply. Note: to increase your chances of working on the Echinacea Project as an REU, you should also apply to the REU program through the Chicago Botanic Garden. It’s a separate application process (closing on 31 January), but the same research experience.
More information
If you have any questions, contact Stuart via e-mail or phone (847-835-6978). Read about the project’s background.
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Please read about our current opportunities!
The Echinacea Project is offering several REU internships during summer 2013. Apply directly to the Echinacea Project REU program by 28 February 2013. To increase your chance of selection, we encourage you to also apply to the Chicago Botanic Garden REU by 31 January 2013 at the CBG REU website.
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Please read about our current opportunities!
Are you interested in gaining field research experience and learning about the ecology and evolution of plants in fragmented prairie habitat? If you are, then this REU (research experience for undergraduates) might be the opportunity you are looking for!
The Echinacea Project is looking for interested and enthusiastic summer field researchers for the 2013 summer field season. Our project investigates how small population size and reduced genetic diversity influence individual fitness, population demographics, plant-insect interactions and evolution in the purple coneflower Echinacea angustifolia. This is a great internship or summer co-op for aspiring ecologists, conservation biologists, and evolutionary biologists!
Qualifications: College student, wants to work outdoors, is patient, has good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skill, willing to work hard even in inclement or hot conditions, and interested in research. During the summer, REU participants must be enrolled in an undergraduate institution and be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US or its possessions. Members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. No experience is necessary, but you must be enthusiastic and hard-working.
Dates: The main field season runs June through August. The exact start and end dates are negotiable.
Details: There is a $440/week stipend and housing is supplied.
Laura taking data on seedling survival
Internship Description
The main research project is to determine evolutionary and ecological consequences of habitat fragmentation on purple coneflower, a beautiful and relatively common prairie flower. The research site is in western Minnesota. Stuart Wagenius is the field supervisor.
The narrow-leaved purple coneflower, Echinacea angustifolia, grows in the former tallgrass prairie and plains of North America, a habitat now fragmented by human activities such as agriculture, development, and roads. Echinacea now exists in isolated populations of various size. We know that seed production in isolated plants is limited by pollination and that genetic diversity is lower in small populations compared to large populations. We still don’t know the long-term consequences of reduced seed set, low-fitness seedlings, and reduced genetic diversity on the persistence of these populations.
During this summer, we will systematically map over 2000 plants in natural populations that have been observed for the past fourteen years to compare the fecundity and mortality of plants in small and large populations. For another ongoing project, we will measure growth, flowering, and fitness traits of plants growing in research plots. The goal of this project is to estimate the genetic and environmental influences on Echinacea plants originating from small and large remnant populations. In addition to measuring plants and collecting data, we will maintain plots by mowing and weeding.
You will gain skills in identifying plants, surveying natural plant populations, measuring plant traits in experimental plots, hand-pollinating plants, and observing & collecting insects. You will learn many techniques for experimental field work in plant ecology, genetics, and plant-insect interactions. Specific skills you may gain include collecting seed, surveying and GPS techniques, artificially pollinating flowers, identifying insects, mapping plants, characterizing communities, gaining appreciation for long-term experiments, and working as part of a team.
Living: The study area is a rural agricultural community. The closest towns are Kensington (56343) and Hoffman (56339), MN. Alexandria, a larger town with a movie theater, is 20 miles away. In Solem township there are dirt roads, a highway, railroad tracks, wetlands, and lots of corn and soybeans. There are prairie remnants scattered throughout the township. You’ll live in a house with basic amenities and basketball hoop. You’ll share the common area with other team members, but you’ll have your own space and a bed. Usually we’ll eat lunch together at our base station.
Mimi, Daniel, Kate, and Allegra
REU Program Details
Every year we reserve several spots on the team for undergraduate students interested in conducting an independent research project. The Echinacea Project offers a great opportunity for independent field research projects and the REU opportunity is excellent for aspiring ecologists, conservation biologists, and evolutionary biologists! In addition to housing and stipend, travel expenses to the research site will be covered. Start and end dates are flexible.
Independent project: You will develop an independent research project in consultation with Stuart and Ruth. Projects can explore questions about the ecology and evolutionary biology of Echinacea angustifolia, another prairie plant species, or plant associated insects. All work occurs in the context of prairie remnants which allows projects to be directly applicable to conservation challenges of habitat fragmentation. Here are some examples of past projects: “Insect diversity in prairie remnants,” “The effect of remnant size on the diversity of Echinacea-visiting ant species,” “Effect of inbreeding on symmetry of floral display,” “Competition between Echinacea and thistles for pollinators, “Pollinating bees of Echinacea angustifolia: who gets the job done?,” “Flowering Phenology of the Prairie Forb E. angustifolia in Fragmented Populations,” “Ant species richness and abundance in Western Minnesotan prairie fragmented by large-scale agriculture,” and “Invasion by hybridization between native and non-native purple coneflowers.”
To apply for this opportunity please follow the general application procedure and indicate your interest and eligibility in the REU program. During the summer, an REU participant must be enrolled in an undergraduate institution and be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US or its possessions. Members of underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
Rachel mapping seedlings
How to apply
Ask yourself if you love being outdoors, if you are patient, if you can work independently, if you are willing to work hard in adverse conditions, and if you could be enthusiastic about this job. If you answer yes to these questions and you still want the job, please apply. Your application should include:
a cover letter, including the following…
why you’re interested
what your future plans are
when you can start and end
if you are flexible or have ideas for an independent project
a statement that you are eligible for the REU program
who will serve as your references
your email and phone number
your resume
your transcript (unofficial OK)
one letter of recommendation (sent by recommender)
Review of applications will begin on 28 February 2013. We’ll accept applications until positions are filled. Be sure to include an email address and phone number where you can be reached during March.
Members of groups underrepresented in science are particularly encouraged to apply. Note: to increase your chances of working on the Echinacea Project as an REU, you should also apply to the REU program through the Chicago Botanic Garden. It’s a separate application process (closing on 31 January), but the same research experience.
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
Please read about our current opportunities!
The Echinacea Project is offering several REU internships during summer 2012. Apply to the Chicago Botanic Garden REU by 31 January 2012 at the CBG REU website. To increase your chance of selection, you are welcome to apply to both the CBG REU and the Echinacea Project REU program. The latter application is due 29 February 2012.
When applying to the CBG program. Be sure to select a project mentored by Wagenius as a top choice, like this one or this one! All six potential projects are listed below for your convenience.
Effects of habitat fragmentation on a native prairie grass
Reproductive susceptibility of prairie plants to habitat fragmentation
Does style persistence measure pollen limitation in perennial Helianthus species?
Plant-herbivore interactions in tallgrass prairie
Pollination of Echinacea angustifolia
Hybridization between native and non-native Echinacea
Effects of habitat fragmentation on a native prairie grass
Project Description: Porcupinegrass (Hesperostipa spartea) is a common native prairie grass in western Minnesota. We are investigating how habitat fragmentation is influencing the amount and distribution of genetic diversity in quantitative traits such as seed dispersal ability, seedling recruitment, plant growth, and fitness. We seek an REU participant interested in investigating seed traits and seedling growth traits. Potential project activities include collecting seeds from prairie remnants, measuring plants in prairie remnants and experimental plots, analyzing digital images of seeds and seed behavior, planting seeds, or mapping plants. An REU project could involve using GPS and GIS technology. Research will take place in prairie remnants and experimental plots in our study site in western Minnesota.
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden (2-3 wks) and field site in western Minnesota (7-8 wks)
Lab/Field: field
Special Considerations: X Insects X Pollen
Reproductive susceptibility of prairie plants to habitat fragmentation
Project Description: Many plants in fragmented prairie habitat experience reproductive failure. Self-incompatibility (SI) is the trait that is most consistently associated with reproductive susceptibility to habitat fragmentation. Worldwide, it is estimated that about 60% of plant species have some kind of SI system. The tallgrass prairie is one of the most fragmented habitats in the world, but the proportion of prairie plants with SI is unknown. Also, we do not know the extent to which reproduction is susceptible to habitat fragmentation for most plant species. For this project you will determine the SI system (self-compatible or self-incompatible) in a sample of common plants in our study area. Experiments will be designed, in collaboration with the mentor, to test the reproductive susceptibility to habitat fragmentation of these species. Such experiments will involve pollen exclusion and pollen supplementation treatments. Research will occur in remnant prairies in our study site in western Minnesota.
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden (2-3 wks) and field site in western Minnesota (7-8 wks)
Lab/Field: field
Special Considerations: X Insects X Pollen
Does style persistence measure pollen limitation in perennial Helianthus species?
Mentor(s): Karen Taira (MS student) and Stuart Wagenius (CBG)
Project Description: Self-incompatible plant species are highly susceptible to pollen limitation of reproduction in fragmented habitat. A method of determining pollen limitation during flowering season, called style persistence, was developed in the prairie species Echinacea angustifolia. In this species, styles persist as long as ten days when no pollen is received; but if compatible pollen is received, then styles shrivel within 24 hours. Quantifying style persistence serves as a measure of pollen limitation in the field and as an indicator of potential reproductive failure. If this measure is applicable in other genera, it could help land managers and restorationists assess, by observation, the availability of pollen throughout the flowering season. We will be investigating style persistence in native, perennial Helianthus species in remnant prairie sites in Illinois and Minnesota. Field work for this project includes designing and conducting hand pollination experiments, locating and identifying perennial Helianthus species, identifying Helianthus species at remnant prairie sites, mapping individual plants, and observing style conditions.
Location: Remnant prairie sites in northern Illinois and western Minnesota
Mentor(s): Katherine Muller (MS student), Stuart Wagenius (CBG)
Project Description: Habitat change influences dynamics between plants and their insect herbivores. We are investigating interactions between the purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) and insect herbivores in fragmented prairies. We have previously found interesting “bottom-up” effects of plant genotype on insect communities, including greater herbivore damage on inbred and outcrossed plants compared to plants from within-remnant crosses. We are now investigating aspects of the relationship between E. angustifolia and its specialist aphid. Current projects include quantifying “top-down” effects of aphids on host plant performance, dynamics of aphid infestation within plant populations, and the effects of habitat fragmentation on aphids. We are also interested in the role of aphid-tending ants for host plants and the insect community. We seek an REU student interested in investigating plant-herbivore interactions. Potential project activities include collecting and identifying ants, surveying aphids and ants in remnant prairies, and conducting field observations of insect behavior. The student will also collaborate with a graduate student on several field experiments related to plant-herbivore interactions.
Project Description: Many plants in fragmented habitat experience reproductive failure. We are studying pollination of Echinacea angustifolia (purple coneflower) in prairie remnants in western Minnesota. In this species, reproduction is high in large prairie remnants and low in small remnants. We present three hypotheses: Plants have better reproduction when there are many nearby compatible Echinacea plants. Plants benefit when certain pollinators (native bees) visit. Plants that flower at the peak of the season fare better than early or late plants. For this project, you will design an experiment with help of the mentor, that will test one of these hypotheses (or one of your own ideas welcome!). Fieldwork may include pollinating plants by hand, identifying prairie plants, observing or capturing bees, identifying pollen, and mapping individual plants.
Location: Minnesota and CBG
Lab/Field: field
Special Considerations: X Bees X Insects X Pollen
Hybridization between native and non-native Echinacea
Keywords: prairie restorations, remnants, hybrids
Mentor(s): Stuart Wagenius (CBG)
Project Description: In western Minnesota prairie restorations have been planted near prairie remnants. The non-natives Echinacea pallida and Echinacea purpurea have been planted in restorations. We want to know the extent to which the non-natives affect reproduction in the native species. Non-native pollen is hypothesized to interfere with pollination in the native and hybridization between the species may occur. For this project, you will design an experiment, in collaboration with the mentor, to investigate potential interactions between pollen of several Echinacea species. Crossing and pollen addition experiment will occur in remnant prairies in our study site in western Minnesota.
Location: Chicago Botanic Garden (2-3 wks) and field site in western Minnesota (7-8 wks)
We know that prescribed fire is beneficial to native prairie plant species, but summer 2023 REU participant, Jak Davis, is also curious about how fires impact native pollinators. Their project this summer, investigated the effects of prescribed fire on pollinator fidelity/visitation to Echinacea. Jak collected bees in the field (Agopostemen virescens, Halictus and Augochlorella) and scraped pollen off their bodies. They counted and identified pollen grains under the microscope and calculated total proportion of Echinacea pollen grains.
Jak is continuing this work at part of their senior thesis! She has started data analysis and will have results to share soon!
Jak has been hard at work in the lab at College of Wooster post-field season!
A closer look at pollen grains through the microscope! Jak is able to tell which grains are Echinacea- impressive!
Start year: 2023
Location: Remnant prairies in Solem township, MN and the lab at College of Wooster
Overlaps with: other projects in prairie remnants
Data collected: N/A
Samples or specimens collected: pollen scrapes from bees, floral specimens
The Leadplant Flower Moth (Schinia lucens), is a species of special concern in Minnesota. It used to be common and have an extensive range, but now populations are few and far between. Douglas and Grant counties (our study area) are not included on its current range map. Nonetheless, REU participant Liam Poitra thought that it was possible that this moth might persist in some of the remnants in our study area. Liam planned and conducted a systematic search for the leadplant flower moth for his REU project. If Liam found enough moths to estimate populations sizes or density, then he would investigate characteristics of their habitat for his REU project. If not, then he would transition to another project. He found one individual moth and took some great photos. Details of the search are in Liam’s report.
Liam marches through Staffanson Prairie Preserve. This site was included in his systematic search for the leadplant moth.
Start year: 2023
Location: prairie remnants in Solem & Land Townships
During the summer of 2023, Team Echinacea conducted floral surveys at randomly selected bb points in remnant prairies and restorations. We are interested in quantifying floral resources (i.e., food for bees) and we want to understand how fire influences the diversity and abundance of flowering plants.
At each focal point (bbpt) we identified species rooted within a 2 meter radius and recorded the furthest stage of development. We measured abundance by binning a range of floral units (i.e., 1-5 flowering units got label “5”).
Floral surveys were split into “visit group A” and “visit group B”. We surveyed different random points when revisiting sites. In total, we conducted 415 floral surveys across 45 sites.
Liam Poitra, a 2023 Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Participant, contributed to this research project investigating the effects of fire on diversity and abundance of flowering plants. Liam assisted in fieldwork and data organization. Inventory, protocols, and blank datasheets for floral assessments are located in ~/Dropbox/enrtf/floralSurveys2023.
Liam Poitra, REU 2023, navigates to a floral assessment focal point at Staffanson Prairie Preserve. The 2-meter stick he carries will help keep track of what is in the bounds for survey.
Start year: 2023
Location: prairie remnants and restorations in Solem Township
