Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:A total of 19 undergraduate and8 graduate students were recruited and they actively participated in the Binational Plant Studies program. Each student developed an individual project for a different plant species to study the connectivity of these plants using field observations, citizen science approaches and molecular techniques. All the activities described below were done to study the plants targeted by our students. These plants are ecologically and culturally relevant. We trained students in classroom activities and theoretical background on plant sciences. We taught our students molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing among others. Each year we performed field trips in California and Baja California Mexico to expose our students to a) career opportunities, b) native plant studies, and c) traditional knowledge. During these trips, we taught students a variety of skills, knowledge and we enhanced their scientific networks. We took students to Baja California to perform the following activities: 1. Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE)- Dr. Rodrigo Méndez Alonzo who is the head of the Conservation Biology gave us a talk on the biogeography and biodiversity of Mexico and the importance of saving water in agriculture, and urban vegetative cover. He showed his work using clay pots to minimize agricultural water usage and green roofs to promote plant life in cities. 2. Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) - Botany Professor José Delgadillo showed us the university's herbarium collections as well as their active seed refrigeration system and gave talks on the importance of using "ignored" invasive plants for medicinal purposes. In 2019, we visited Terra Peninsular in San Quintin and learned about conservation efforts taken to preserve the region. SDSU students in the internship have wrote a paper about their experience http://terrapeninsular.org/en/binational-plantdistribution-in-baja-california-exploring-san-quintin-with-terra-peninsular/ and have participated in workshops to disseminate their findings and engage the public in conservation of native plants. The core of the project was to create tier mentorship approaches to empower our Hispanic students and provide experiential learning by studying the connectivity of a plant with a binational distribution. Each year we reached younger students through workshop activities led by our trained undergraduate students and in partnership with the Ocean Discovery Institute. The workshop targeted younger students from underrepresented communities, ranging ages from five to eighteen years, and accompanying parents. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Approximately, 40% of students entering our program continued into graduate school, others entered the workforce in federal agencies, biotechnology companies and nonprofit organizations. This was achieved by providing a wide variety of training and support for these students. Students were trained on plant biology, botany, molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Library construction, sequencing, and the use of associated technologies to perform genomic studies. They also acquired experience performing field observations, field surveys and field experiments. Students acquired a basic understanding of approaches to estimate genetic diversity of plant species with binational distribution. Students developed international networks with collaborators from non-profit agencies and Universities in the US and Mexico. For example, they talked and learned from a wide range of experts working for the Forest Service, CICESE, UABC, Siñaw Kutay, San Diego Zoo, Natural History Museum, San Diego Botanical Gardens, Cabrillo National Monument, Cleveland National Forest, among others. During these interactions, we had a section for career opportunities discussing specific career paths and experiences these experts had to engage before working in their current position. They also shared available positions for recently graduated students and options for professional growth. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Each student presented their findings in a professional venue such as the Student Research Symposium and some presented at meetings such as the Binational Botany Symposium, Botany conference, San Diego Botanical Symposium, AHHEE, SACNAS. Each year we have organized an informal mini symposium in which our interns presented their project in different communities in San Diego at different tribal communities such as Pala, Campo and Viejas Reservations and in July 2022 in a public event advertised in the city of Loreto during our visit to Mexico. We have published at least five peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals and other non peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Flores- Renteria gave at least nine invited talks featuring this project, one presented at Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), another for the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), at the Natural History Museum and at the Southern California Botanists (SCB) annual symposium, among others. ? What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
a. All students got strong training on field and lab settings. Each student developed an individual project for a different plant species, but worked together in pairs during fieldwork, and as a team in the classroom to use online tools and mine data for their projects. b. During field trips to Baja California the students interacted with many Mexican colleagues, exchanging contact information and expanding their professional networks as well as increasing their understanding of the international academic community and land management communities. Collaborations involved staff and students from CICESE, UABC, Terra Peninsula, Indigenous community in San Antonio Necua, CEMA Loreto, forest service in comisión nacional de áreas protegidas in Mexico, and US Forest service at Cleveland National Forest, local organizations the Ocean Discovery Institute in San Diego, where our students interacted with high school and middle school students. c. All students attended lectures explaining molecular and laboratory techniques followed by hands-on activities in which they practice all the knowledge viewed in class. Extensive time in the laboratory allowed each student to learn the full suite of molecular laboratory techniques necessary to analyze the population genetics of binational plants. d. All students got some level of exposure to genomic analyses. Students in cohorts in the years 2022 and 2023 were able to use their own data to estimate population genetic parameters. After our internships students reported to be well-versed in the software and analytical techniques that might be useful for their professional careers. e. All students presented their findings in a professional meeting and to the general public. Most students presented their work at the Student Research Symposium and some presented at meetings such as the Binational Botany Symposium, Botany conference, San Diego Botanical Symposium, AHHEE, SACNAS. f. All students presented their research to High School and Middle School students from underserved communities in San Diego (95% students of color), in partnership with the local non-profit organization Ocean Discovery Institute. g. We had at least five graduate students involved in the project and partially supported by the grant. All of them became role models to younger students. The tier mentorship approach was very successful and resulted in several research papers published in scientific journals with the graduate students as first author and the main undergraduate students involved in the research as coauthors. h. Undergraduates were fortunate enough to stay with Dr. Safford USDA-Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region in the Sierra San Pedro Martir of Baja California, Mexico, where they went on plant walks, elaborated on the impacts of fire ecology and management both sides of the border, and discussed their individual projects. We were also accompanied in the San Jacinto Mountains of California by Katherine Renwcik of the US Forest Service. We also developed activities locally with the Forest Service personnel at Cleveland National Forest- Lance Criley, a Rangeland Management specialist for the Forest Service, Lee Hamm the Resident Wildlife Biologist and Lauren Quon the Resident Botanist sowed us the Forest. They explained to us the dynamics of land management via federal agencies such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service. They also discussed the career paths in the forest service. As part of our commitment to assessing the impact of this internship program, we conducted surveys among participating students both before and after the duration of the internship. These surveys were designed to capture valuable insights into the participants' knowledge, actions, and conditions, serving as crucial metrics for evaluating the outcomes of the project. The collected data allows us to track the progression and development of participants. The key findings are listed below 1. Enhanced Teamwork and Collaboration: - Change in Knowledge: Incremental improvement in the understanding of collaborative work methodologies and its importance in science, including the ability to work with diverse people. - Change in Action: Adoption of effective teamwork strategies observed through participants' collaborative projects in lab settings after the internship. 2. Skill Development in Lab Techniques and Statistical Analyses: - Change in Knowledge: All students who took the survey reported a substantial increase in understanding molecular techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and library construction and statistical techniques to estimate genetic diversity of plants. Pre-internship assessment showed that 66% of students had average knowledge in these skills while the post-internship survey showed that 66% of students had above average or advanced knowledge in these skills highlighting the positive impact of internship in molecular skills. - Change in Action: Application of learnt molecular techniques and analytical skills in measuring and estimating genetic diversity, in their own mini projects after the internship. 3. Professional Presentation and Communication: - Change in Knowledge: Students reported an improved comprehension of communication strategies in a professional scientific setting. Pre-internship assessment showed that 66% of students had no knowledge in presentation skills while the post-internship survey showed that 66% of students had above average and the rest 34% had advanced knowledge in presenting their research to public - Change in Action: Some students after the internship demonstrated enhanced presentation skills of their own research findings at conferences such as Student Research Symposium and BOTANY among others. 4. Mentorship/Role Modeling: - Change in Knowledge: Greater understanding of the impact of mentorship and peer group support on achieving their career goals as a scientist. - Change in Action: Students consistently reported high impact of peer group support for attaining personal and professional goals in the post-internship surveys. Some participants have actively served as role models by volunteering in science exhibit events specifically designed for younger students in schools from minority communities (tribal school; WSS events). - Change in Condition: In the baseline survey, students self-reported a mid-score for having role models in their field of interest. Post-internship, 75% reported that they either 'agree' or 'strongly agree' that they have found a suitable role model, indicating a significant positive shift in their perception. Student engagement in the science exhibit events reflects a commitment to inspiring and mentoring the next generation, showcasing the program's impact on community outreach and education. 5. Writing Skills and Scientific Publication: - Change in Knowledge: All graduate students who were part of the internship acquired knowledge of scientific writing skills and publication processes. Some undergraduate participants also learned to contribute a small part in scientific papers. - Change in Action: All graduate students have been successful in translating or are in the process of translating their research findings into a peer-reviewed scientific paper - Change in Condition: Some graduate students and few undergraduate students have authored scientific papers, contributing to the existing gaps in scientific knowledge. This not only advances their academic degrees but also serves as a testament to their acquisition of the comprehensive skill set listed above.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Ramadoss, N., Ordu�o-Baez, A., Portillo, C., Steele, S., Rebman, J. and Flores-Renter�a, L., 2022. Unraveling the development behind unisexual flowers in Cylindropuntia wolfii (Cactaceae). BMC Plant Biology, 22(1), p.94.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Flores-Renter�a, L. Strengthening Oak Conservation Collaborations in Baja California Workshop:Global Oak Conservation Consortium. UABC Ensenada, Baja CA, September 2023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Hoff A., Jennings M. and Flores-Renter�a, L. Resilience in S. CA Populations of Q. agrifolia Botanical Society of America Conference Presentor: Drougt. July 2023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss, Alex Adame, Thomas Parker, Socorro Gonzalez-Elizondo, Amy Litt, Lluvia Flores-Renteria; A genome-wide approach for resolving phylogenetic relationships of subfamily Arbutoideae (Ericaceae)., BOTANY 2022 Symposium, USA. July 24-27, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss, Amy Orduno-Baez, Scarlet Steele, Jon Rebman, Lluvia Flores-Renteria. Understanding the factors influencing reduced seed production of a spiny and struggling cactus, BOTANY 2022 Symposium, USA. July 24-27, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss Lluvia Flores-Renteria. Reproductive biology of the rare Wolf's cholla (Cylindropuntia wolfii), at Anza Borrego Botany Society, USA. November 14, 2022.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Ramadoss, N., Steele, S. and Flores-Renter�a, L., 2023. Influence of sexual dimorphism and dichromatism on reproductive success in a rare native cactus. Oecologia, 203(3), pp.383-394.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Buck, R., Ortega-Del Vecchyo, D., Gehring, C., Michelson, R., Flores-Renter�a, D., Klein, B., Whipple, A.V. and Flores-Renter�a, L., 2023. Sequential hybridization may have facilitated ecological transitions in the Southwestern pinyon pine syngameon. New Phytologist, 237(6), pp.2435-2449.
|
Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Our team assembled a group of seven new and two recurrent interns to participate in our program in 2022. The student cohort was composed of six undergraduate and three graduate students. Each student developed an individual project for a different plant species to study the connectivity of these plants using field observations, citizen science approaches and molecular techniques. All the activities described below were done to study the plants targeted by our students: Species in the genus Ferocactus, Quercus agrifolia, Agave shawii, Salvia pachyphylla, Salvia brandegeei, Penstemon californicus and Lathrys splendens. We trained students in classroom activities and theoretical background on plant sciences. We taught our students molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing among others. We performed several field trips in California and Baja California Mexico to expose our students to a) career opportunities, b) Native plant studies, and c) traditional knowledge. During these trips, we taught students a variety of skills, knowledge and we enhanced their scientific networks. Changes/Problems:A couple of students got sick with Covid during the summer internship and that limited their participation. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Student were trained on plant biology, botany, molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Library construction, sequencing, and the use of associated technologies to perform genomic studies. They also acquired experience performing field observations, field surveys and field experiments. Students acquired a basic understanding of approaches to estimate genetic diversity of plant species with binational distribution. Students developed international networks with collaborators from non-profit agencies and Universities in the US and Mexico. For example, they talked and learned from a wide range of experts working for the Forest Service, CICESE, UABC, Siñaw Kutay, San Diego Zoo, Natural History Museum, San Diego Botanical Gardens, Cabrillo National Monument, Cleveland National Forest, among others. During these interactions, we had a section for career opportunities discussing specific career paths and experiences these experts had to engage before working in their current position. They also shared available positions for recently graduated students and options for professional growth. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have disseminated our results in a variety of ways. For example, we have organized an informal mini symposium in which our interns presented their project in July 2022 in a public event advertised in the city of Loreto during our visit to Mexico. In August 2022 our students organized a workshop to disseminate their findings to a group of students and extended family and professors from the Pala tribal group. We have published three peer-review papers (O'Shea et al. 2022; Ramadoss et al. 2022; Buck et al. 2022). The three papers resulted from our research associated with this project. In addition, several presentations were given by our students in conferences, symposia and meetings. Dr. Flores- Renteria gave four invited talks featuring this project, one presented at Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), another for the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), at the Natural History Museum and at the Southern California Botanists (SCB) annual symposium. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We have expanded our interns' knowledge on genetic analysis and writing skills. The current cohort of students need to complete their training with presentations in scientific venues such as the Binational Botany Symposium in December 2022 or the Students Research Symposium at SDSU in spring 2023.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Our students have successfully developed individual projects and engaged into teamwork in different settings (field and lab work). Students developed international networks with collaborators from non-profit agencies and Universities in US and Mexico (Forest Service, CICESE, UABC, Natural History Museum, Cleveland National Forest, among others). Students learned molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Library construction, sequencing, and the use of associated technologies to perform genomic studies. Students have learned general approaches to estimate genetic diversity of plant species with binational distribution and have been exposed to some quantitative analysis to analyze significant differences among groups. Some students have presented their results in professional symposia. Students have been trained on writing skills for the general public and for scientific audiences. This cohort of students made exceptional progress and have written a paper on the conservation status of Ferocactus and another scientific paper on conservation genetics using a rare endemic species of Penstemon. All students have contributed to the data collection, analysis and the written parts of the manuscripts and are authors on these publications. The 2022 student cohort was composed of six undergraduate and three graduate students. Each student developed an individual project for a different plant species (including several in the genus Ferocactus, Quercus agrifolia, Agave shawii, Salvia pachyphylla, Salvia brandegeei, Penstemon californicus and Lathrys splendens). We trained students in classroom activities and theoretical background on plant sciences. We performed several field trips in California and Baja California Mexico to expose our students to a) career opportunities, b) Native plant studies, and c) traditional knowledge. During these trips, we taught students a variety of skills, knowledge and we enhanced their scientific networks. Field trips in Baja California: Loreto: Centro de Estudios del Medio Ambiente (CEMA) and Eco-Alianza de Loreto host our visit this year. We Bahía de los Ángeles: Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada - Dr. Rodrigo Méndez Alonzo who is the head of the Conservation Biology gave us a talk on the biogeography and biodiversity of Mexico and the importance of saving water in agriculture, and urban vegetative cover. He showed his work using clay pots to minimize agricultural water usage and green roofs to promote plant life in cities. Field trips in California: Mediterranean Garden at SDSU field trip led by Dr. Lluvia Flores Renteria and Dr. Sula Vanderplank. Students learned how to use dichotomous keys and using iNaturalist using native plants. San Diego Natural History Museum to meet Curator of Botany, Dr. Jon Rebman. He studies the flora of San Diego and Baja California and manages the Herbarium Collection for the museum. He talked about the biodiversity of San Diego, the California Floristic Province, the importance of herbarium collections, and how to maintain them. Cleveland National Forest- Lance Criley, a Rangeland Management specialist for the Forest Service, Lee Hamm the Resident Wildlife Biologist and Lauren Quon the Resident Botanist sowed us the Forest and explained to us the dynamics of land management via federal agencies such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service. They also discussed the career paths in the forest service. Every student worked on writing a report on the conservation status of the plant they were studying. This information was used to evaluate whether these species need to be included as threatened and endangered species to the NOM 059. A petition with the list of species and the factors threatening them was submitted by Dr. Vanderplank. Our students gave a presentation of their work at the end of the internship; they will give this presentation at the Student Research Symposium at San Diego State University in spring 2022. They also made a poster to use during the workshop they will organize along with the Ocean Discovery Institute to disseminate their findings and knowledge on native plants of California.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Ramadoss, N., Ordu�o-Baez, A., Portillo, C., Steele, S., Rebman, J. and Flores-Renter�a, L., 2022. Unraveling the development behind unisexual flowers in Cylindropuntia wolfii (Cactaceae). BMC Plant Biology, 22(1), pp.1-14.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Buck, R., Ortega?Del Vecchyo, D., Gehring, C., Michelson, R., Flores?Renter�a, D., Klein, B., Whipple, A.V. and Flores?Renter�a, L., 2022. Sequential hybridization may have facilitated ecological transitions in the Southwestern pinyon pine syngameon. New Phytologist.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
O'Shea, B., Vanderplank, S., Talley, D. and Flores-Renter�a, L., 2022. Edaphic preference determines the distribution of the island endemic Ferocactus gatesii (Cactaceae) in Bah�a de los �ngeles, Mexico. Journal of Arid Environments, 198, p.104691.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Paulina Arrellano, Sula Vanderplank, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Population Dynamics of Agave shawii in Cabrillo National Monument. SDSU Student Research Symposium. March 4th and 5th, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Rosalinda Diaz. FLORES-RENTER�A L. Genome wide association of the Psyllid susceptibility in species of Eucalyptus. SDSU Student Research Symposium. March 4th and 5th, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Ryan Buck, FLORES-RENTER�A L. The dismal future of pinyon woodlands in the Southwest. SDSU Student Research Symposium. March 4th and 5th, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Mia Almanza, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Cylindropuntia wolfiis regeneration and climatic change implications. SDSU Student Research Symposium. March 4th and 5th, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Eduardo Charvel, Sula Vanderplank, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Researching the Binational Distribution of the Desert Mountain Sage and the Genetics of its Subspecies. SDSU Student Research Symposium. March 4th and 5th, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Yazmin Lommel, Sula Vanderplank, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Taxonomy and Population Genetics of a Barrel Cactus in the Gulf of California. SDSU Student Research Symposium. March 4th and 5th, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Vincent Trang, Sula Vanderplank, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Resilient restoration of Coast Live Oak in southern California. SDSU Student Research Symposium. March 4th and 5th, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Spiny and Struggling : Reproductive Ecology of a Rare Native Cactus. SDSU Student Research Symposium. March 4th and 5th, 2022.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Scarlett Steele, Niveditha Ramadoss, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Battle of the Sexes: A Closer Look into Cylindropuntia wolfiis Sexual System. SDSU Student Research Symposium. March 4th and 5th, 2022.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Buck R. 2022. The Pinyon Pine Syngameon: Modeling the Past to Understand the Present and Predict the Future. Thesis dissertation San Diego State University/UC Riverside
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Alexandra McElwee Adame. 2022. Multidirectional hybridization challenges the species boundaries in the genus Arbutus (Ericaceae) of North America. Thesis dissertation San Diego State University.
|
Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Our team assembled a group of seven new and one recurrent interns to participate in our summer program in 2021. The student cohort was composed of five undergraduate and three graduate students. Each student developed an individual project for a different plant species to study the connectivity of these plants using field observations, citizen science approaches and molecular techniques. All the activities described below were done to study the plants targeted by our students:Quercus agrifolia, Agave shawii, Salvia pachyphylla, Salvia brandegeei, Penstemon californicus and Lathrys splendens. We trained students in classroom activities and theoretical background on plant sciences. We taught our students molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing among others. We performed several field trips in California and Baja California Mexico to expose our students to a) career opportunities, b) Native plant studies, and c) traditional knowledge. During these trips, we taught students a variety of skills, knowledge and we enhanced their scientific networks. Field trips in Baja California: Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE)- Dr. Rodrigo Méndez Alonzo who is the head of the Conservation Biology gave us a talk on the biogeography and biodiversity of Mexico and the importance of saving water in agriculture, and urban vegetative cover. He showed his worked using clay pots to minimize agricultural water usage and green roofs to promote plant life in cities. Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) - Botany Professor José Delgadillo showed us the university's herbarium collections as well as their active seed refrigeration system. Following the herbarium tour, Dr. Delgadillo gave us an overview of the University as well as the Department of Physical Sciences before lecturing on the importance of using "ignored" invasive plants for medicinal purposes. Anthropologist Mike Wilken, author of Kumeyaay Ethnobotany guided us through his beautiful xeriscaped (zero-water) native garden, and gave us a presentation on his book, where he artistically led us through the compelling history of the native peoples and their use of plants. We visited different natural areas in Baja California such as Punta Colonet to look for Salvia brandegeei and Agave shawii. As we drove through Colonet, we explained our students the impact of habitat fragmentation due to the growth of agriculture on native plants. We also visited Sierra de Juarez, to study a grove of California Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia var. oxyadenia) which were growing around a dry seasonal creek. In that same riverbed, we also found other native plants, such as Artemisia tridentata, also known as the Great Basin Sagebrush, which is used as an important ceremonial herb by a variety of indigenous tribes, such as the local Kumeyaay. In Sierra de Juarez, we also looked for Salvia pachyphylla ssp. meridionalis, known as Mexican Rose Sage and Penstemon californicus, a rare native perennial herbaceous plant. We visited National Park Constitucion de 1857, which is home to the Hanson Lagoon, one of the unique and ecologically important wetlands of the region. The Hanson Lagoon has been experienced severe drought and has had an effect in the vegetation. We talked to Santos Soto Jaime, sub-director in charge of the park who explained us the effects of climate change in the area due tolack of rainfall and snowfall. We visited the Kumeyaay tribal community in San Antonio Necua, which has the museum and botanical garden called Siñaw Kutay where we were greeted by some of the leaders of the community. We started our day at the reservation with the cleaning of smudging white sage (Salvia apiana) by one of the local elders (Don Augustin). Our students learned about the traditional uses of plants for curative purposes, for traditional games, for boulder paintings, and the artefacts used for plant processing such as grinding stones (metates) and baskets. We learned about native foods and enjoyed acorn atole and other nutritive foods made with native plants and how to webbing using of pine needles (Pinus jeffreyi) and Juncus (Juncus textilis) to construct traditional pendants. We visited the Museo Tecate Community Museum. Carlos, a curator at the museum, explained throughout the year the Kumeyaay migrated from the coast to the mountains, and essentially had two homes. In the vicinity we looked for Lathrys splendens. Field trips in California: Mission Trails Regional Park, field trip led by Dr. Lluvia Flores Renteria and Dr. Sula Vanderplank. Students learned how to use dichotomous keys and using iNaturalist using native plants. San Diego Natural History Museum to meet Curator of Botany, Dr. Jon Rebman. He has studied the flora of San Diego and Baja California for over 21 years and manages the Herbarium Collection for the museum. He talked about the biodiversity of San Diego, the California Floristic Province, the importance of herbarium collections, and how to maintain them. Cleveland National Forest- Lance Criley, a Rangeland Management specialist for the Forest Service, Lee Hamm the Resident Wildlife Biologist and Lauren Quon the Resident Botanist sowed us the Forest and explained to us the dynamics of land management via federal agencies such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service. They also discussed the career paths in the forest service. Cabrillo National Monument (CNM)- Dr. Keith Lombardo who is a Coastal Ecologist and the Director of the non-profit Southern California Research Learning Center (SCRLC), Dr. Linh-Anh Cat who is the new chief of Resources Management and Science at CNM talked to us about their roles and work at the Monument and explained their career paths and the internships associated to the Monument. At CNM we collected A. shawii to assess how this species is reproducing in the monument. San Diego Zoo and Safari Park- Our students toured the Conservation Lab and the Seedbank. We first met with Dr. Carlos de la Rosa, who gave our students a lecture on species conservation. We meet Stacy Anderson and her team at the seed bank. Stacy told us about her 20 years of experience working at the Safari park seed bank. We discussed career paths and learned how the seed bank provides seed bulking services for restoration and scientific studies. Mission Trails - Our interns had the great opportunity to spend the day with Luiseño Elder Richard Bugbee at Mission Trails. He had studied under the Kumeyaay Elder Jane Dumas. Under Jane, Richard was able to compare and contrast the different ways of life, language, and creation stories between the Luiseño and the Kumeyaay. During this tour, our students learned about the medicinal properties of numerous plants including Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), Gooseberry (Ribes spp.) among others. San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas- Tony Gurnoe, Director of Conservation and Horticulture, toured us around. Our students learned about plant care, for example, the mistiness of the rainforest needed to preserve and grow bright colored flowers, giant-sized leaves of several tropical plants including the famous corpse flower. Jeremy Bugarchich, curator of collections, described his tasks at the garden. Students learned about propagation techniques and plant diversity from around the world including from our megadiverse California Floristic Province. Our students gave presentation of their work at the end of the internship; they will give this presentation at the Student Research Symposium at San Diego State University in spring 2022. They also made a poster to use during the workshop they will organize along with Ocean Discovery Institute to disseminate their findings and knowledge on native plants of California. Changes/Problems:In order to run this program during the pandemic we hadto completea lot of paperwork specially for our trip to Mexico. Luckily, we were able to complete that part. However, some portions of the program are pending as guidelinesto bring elementary and highschool students to SDSU are not clear. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Student were trained on plant biology, botany, molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Library construction, sequencing, and the use of associated technologies to perform genomic studies. They also acquired experience performing field observations, field surveys and field experiments. Students acquired a basic understanding of approaches to estimate genetic diversity of plant species with binational distribution. Students developed international networks with collaborators from non-profit agencies and Universities in US and Mexico. For example, they talk and learned from a wide range of experts working for the Forest Service, CICESE, UABC, Siñaw Kutay, San Diego Zoo, Natural History Museum, San Diego Botanical Gardens, Cabrillo National Monument, Cleveland National Forest, among others. During these interactions, we had a section for career opportunities discussing specific career paths and experiences these experts had to engage before working in their current position. They also shared available positions for recently graduated students and options for professional growth. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have disseminated our results in a variety of ways. For example, we have organized an informal mini symposium in which our interns presented their project on July 2021 aiming to present to the public. We have published one peer review paper (Buck et al. 2020) and another accepted (O'Shea et al. 2021) both of them resulted from our research associated to this project. In addition, several presentations were given by our students in conferences, symposia and meetings. Dr. Flores-Renteria gave two invited talks featuring this project, one presented for the California State University system and another for the San Diego Natural History Museum. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We need to give some workshops in association with the Ocean Discovery Institute to train younger students. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic we have not been able to organize these workshops. They will be offered as soon as we can meet with younger students in a safe environment. We also need to expand our interns' knowledge on genetic analysis. We plan to do this before they present their progress on the Students Research Symposium at SDSU in spring 2022.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
a. Our students have successfully developed individual projects and engaged into teamwork on different setting (field and lab work). b.Students developed international networks with collaborators from non-profit agencies and Universities in US and Mexico (Forest Service, CICESE, UABC, Siñaw Kutay, San Diego Zoo, Natural History Museum, San Diego Botanical Gardens, Cabrillo National Monument, Cleveland National Forest, among others). c.Students learned molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Library construction, sequencing, and the use of associated technologies to perform genomic studies. d.Students have learned general approaches to estimate genetic diversity of plant species with binational distribution and exposed to some quantitative skills. e.Some students have present their results in professional symposia. f.Two graduate students are organizing and analyzing the data. We have already one publication and one accepted manuscript and a third under revision. The 2021 student cohort was composed of five undergraduate and three graduate students. Each student developed an individual project for a different plant species (Quercus agrifolia, Agave shawii, Salvia pachyphylla, Salvia brandegeei, Penstemon californicus and Lathrys splendens). We trained students in classroom activities and theoretical background on plant sciences. We performed several field trips in California and Baja California Mexico to expose our students to a) career opportunities, b) Native plant studies, and c) traditional knowledge. During these trips, we taught students a variety of skills, knowledge and we enhanced their scientific networks. Field trips in Baja California: Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada - Dr. Rodrigo Méndez Alonzo who is the head of the Conservation Biology gave us a talk on the biogeography and biodiversity of Mexico and the importance of saving water in agriculture, and urban vegetative cover. He showed his worked using clay pots to minimize agricultural water usage and green roofs to promote plant life in cities. Universidad Autónoma de Baja California - Dr.José Delgadillo showed us the university's herbarium collections, gave us a lectureon the importance of using "ignored" invasive plants for medicinal purposes and toured us aroundtheir native plant garden. Anthropologist Mike Wilken, author of Kumeyaay Ethnobotany guided us through axeriscaped native garden, and gave us a presentation on his book, where he led us through the compelling history of the native peoples and their use of plants. We visitedPunta Colonet to look for Salvia brandegeei and Agave shawii. As we drove through Colonet, we explained our students the impact of habitat fragmentation due to the growth of agriculture on native plants. We visited Sierra de Juarezto study a grove of California Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia var. oxyadenia).We also looked for Salvia pachyphylla ssp. meridionalis, known as Mexican Rose Sage and Penstemon californicus, a rare native perennial herbaceous plant. We visited the National Park Constitucion de 1857, which is home to the Hanson Lagoon, one of the unique and ecologically important wetlands of the region, which has experienced severe droughtaffecting the native vegetation. We visited the Kumeyaay tribal community in San Antonio Necua, which has the museum and botanical garden called Siñaw Kutay. Our students learned about the traditional uses of plants for curative and ceremonial purposes, for traditional games, for boulder paintings, and the artefacts used for plant processing such as grinding stones (metates) and baskets. We learned about native foods and enjoyed acorn atole and other nutritive foods made with native plants and how to webbing using of pine needles (Pinus jeffreyi) and Juncus (Juncus textilis) to construct traditional pendants. We visited the Museo Tecate Community Museum. Carlos, a curator at the museum, explained throughout the year the Kumeyaay migrated from the coast to the mountains, and essentially had two homes. In the vicinity, we looked for Lathrys splendens. Field trips in California: Mission Trails Regional Park, field trip led by Dr. Lluvia Flores Renteria and Dr. Sula Vanderplank. Students learned how to use dichotomous keys and using iNaturalist using native plants. San Diego Natural History Museum to meet Curator of Botany, Dr. Jon Rebman. He studiesthe flora of San Diego and Baja Californiaand manages the Herbarium Collection for the museum. He talked about the biodiversity of San Diego, the California Floristic Province, the importance of herbarium collections, and how to maintain them. Cleveland National Forest- Lance Criley, a Rangeland Management specialist for the Forest Service, Lee Hamm the Resident Wildlife Biologist and Lauren Quon the Resident Botanist sowed us the Forest and explained to us the dynamics of land management via federal agencies such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service. They also discussed the career paths in the forest service. Cabrillo National Monument (CNM)- Dr. Keith Lombardo who is a Coastal Ecologist and the Director of the non-profit Southern California Research Learning Center (SCRLC), Dr. Linh-Anh Cat who is the new chief of Resources Management and Science at CNM talked to us about their roles and work at the Monument and explained their career paths and the internships associated to the Monument. At CNM we collected A. shawii to assess how this species is reproducing in the monument. San Diego Zoo and Safari Park- Our students toured the Conservation Lab and the Seedbank. We first met with Dr. Carlos de la Rosa, who gave our students a lecture on species conservation. We meet Stacy Anderson and her team at the seed bank. Stacy told us about her 20 years of experience working at the Safari park seed bank. We discussed career paths and learned how the seed bank provides seed bulking services for restoration and scientific studies. Mission Trails - Our interns had the opportunity to spend the day with Luiseño Elder Richard Bugbee. During this tour, our students learned about the medicinal properties of numerous plants including Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia), Gooseberry (Ribes spp.) among others. San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas- Tony Gurnoe, Director of Conservation and Horticulture, andJeremy Bugarchich, curator of collections,toured us around. Our students learned about plant care, propagation techniques and plant diversity from around the world including from our megadiverse California Floristic Province and conservation efforts,. Every student worked on writing a report on the conservation status of the plant they were studying. This information was used to evaluate whether these species need to be included as threatened and endangered species to the NOM 059. A petition with the list of species and the factors threaten them was submitted by Dr. Vanderplank. Our students gave a presentation of their work at the end of the internship; they will give this presentation at the Student Research Symposium at San Diego State University in spring 2022. They also made a poster to use during the workshop they will organize along with Ocean Discovery Institute to disseminate their findings and knowledge on native plants of California.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Buck R, Hyasat S, Hossfeld A, Flores-Renter�a L. 2020. Patterns of hybridization and cryptic introgression among one and four needle pinyon pines. Annals of Botany, 126(3):401-11 https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcaa045
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Beth Oshea, Sula Vanderplank, D. Talley, Flores-Renter�a L. Ferocactus gatesii a case of edaphic endemism? submitted to Journal of Arid Environments.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Ramadoss N, *Ordu�o A, *Portillo C, Rebman J, Flores-Renter�a, L. 2021. The narrowly distributed Cylindropuntia wolfii sexual system. Under review.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Ryan Buck, Diego Ortega Del Vecchyo, FLORES-RENTER�A L. "Syngameonic Hybridization in Pinyon Pines. BOTANY 2021 Conference, USA. July 18- 23, 2021.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Mihalic S, Alexandra McElwee-Adame, M. Socorro Gonza?lez-Elizondo, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Application of molecular and morphological markers reveal population substructuring within the widely distributed Arbutus xalapensis of Mexico. BOTANY 2021 Conference, USA. July 18- 23, 2021.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss, Alejandra McElwee-Adame, Kyle Gunther, Amy Litt, FLORES-RENTER�A L. The Phylogenetic Relationships of the Subfamily Arbutoideae (Ericaceae) inferred from genome wide SNPs. BOTANY 2021 Conference, USA. July 18- 23, 2021.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
McElwee-Adame A, Silva K, Gonzalez-Elizondo S, Sniezko R, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Multidirectional hybridization challenges species boundaries within the plant genus Arbutus of Mexico. BOTANY 2021 Conference, USA. July 18- 23, 2021
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Ryan Buck, Diego Ortega Del Vecchyo, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Pinyon Pine Syngameonic Hybridization. California Botanical Society's 28th Graduate Student Research Symposium. April 30, 2021.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss, Alejandra McElwee-Adame, Kyle Gunther, Amy Litt, FLORES-RENTER�A L. The Phylogenetic Relationships of the Subfamily Arbutoideae (Ericaceae). Implications for the Origin of Arbutus, The California Botanical Societys 28th Annual Graduate Student Symposium, CA, USA. April 30- May 1, 2021.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Gunther K. An Integrative Approach Reveals Evolutionarily Significant Units In A Not-So Monotypic Genus From A Biodiversity Hotspot. San Diego State University (Advisor: Dr. Flores-Renteria).
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
McElwee-Adame A, Silva K, Gonzalez-Elizondo S, Sniezko R, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Multidirectional hybridization challenges species boundaries within the plant genus Arbutus of Mexico. The California Botanical Societys 28th Annual Graduate Student Symposium, CA, USA. April 30- May 1, 2021.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Ryan Buck, Diego Ortega Del Vecchyo, FLORES-RENTER�A L. "Syngameonic Interspecies Hybridization in Pinyon Pines". San Diego State University Student Research Symposium. March 19, 2021.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss, *Alejandra McElwee-Adame, *Kyle Gunther, Amy Litt, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Resolving the Phylogenetic Relationships of the Dry-Adapted Subfamily Arbutoideae, 2021 Student Research Symposium San Diego State University, USA. March 19-20, 2021
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Gunther K, Sula Vanderplank, Andres Ordu�o Cruz, Jon P. Rebman, FLORES-RENTER�A L. An integrative approach reveals evolutionarily significant units in a monotypic genus from a biodiversity hotspot. San Diego County Botany Society meeting, October 30th, 2020.
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Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:This project was created to engage SDSU's Hispanic students into plant science and forestry and further support our community while addressing natural connectivity among plant populations in both USA and Mexico. The core of the project is to create tier mentorship approaches to empower our Hispanic students and provide experiential learning by studying the connectivity of a plant with a binational distribution. Activities planned include summer internships in which our students travel in California and Baja California and get exposed to different institutions with Hispanic and leaders. Undergraduate and graduate students in our project train younger students through workshops which are also extended to the general public. Students in this project present their research in scientific meetings. Before covid, we have recruited two new Hispanic undergraduate students who started their projects and we were in the process of recruiting four more undergraduate students to have a total of six undergraduates in 2020. Unfortunately, with covid-related travel and meeting restrictions we were unable to have the schedule field trips. Therefore, we decided to wrap up the training on the two students who have had already joined the program since 2019. These two students add to the six previously recruited students. One of these two students has enrolled into graduate school in plant sciences. Changes/Problems:During the2019-2020 period, we were recruiting six new undergraduate students to assembled the second cohort of the program. Pre-covid, we successfully recruited two students who started the program earlier.Unfortunately, with covid-related travel and meeting restrictions we were unable to have the scheduled field trips for the secondcohort. Therefore, we cancelledthe search for new students and we decided to wrap up the training for the two new students (second cohort) who have had already joined the program since 2019. We offered them online training which limited the opportunity they had to do field work during the pandemic. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A total of 8 undergraduate students and 4 graduate students have been trained in different capacities during 2019-2020. One of the undergraduate students has transition into graduate school persuing a career in plant biology. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several presentations have been given in national and international meetings. One peer-reviewed paper has been published. One workshops was organized involving younger students and thegenearl public. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will recruit six new undergraduate students and at least a new masters student to train them as especified in our project description.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Six students of the first cohort stayed engaged into the program over fall 2019. The students from the first cohort along with two graduate students and two newly recruited undergraduate students gave a workshop and presented their research to High School and Middle School students from underserved communities in SanDiego, in partnership with the local non-profit organization Ocean Discovery Institute. Undergraduate and graduate students helped touring the visit of these younger students, their parents and advisors across our campus. They visited our molecular lab, the herbarium and we showed them the hydroponic towers the University uses to grow local food and supply restaurants on campus. The audience was instructed on how to grow edible plants as well as native plants and took some previously grown plants from the previous workshops. Some of our undergraduate and graduate students presented their research at three scientific meeting, a) First International congress of Cactus and Succulents, b) Binational Botany Symposium, 2019 and c) Student Research Symposium-SDSU, 2020. We published one peer-reviewed paper studying the genetic structure and patterns of genes flow of pinyon pines in Baja California and California.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Buck R, Hyasat S, Hossfeld A, Flores-Renter�a L. 2020. Patterns of hybridization and cryptic introgression among one and four needle pinyon pines. Annals of Botany. 401411, https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcaa045
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Amy Ordu�o, Niveditha Ramadoss, Carlos Portillo, Hao Duong, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Development of unisexual flower by abortion in Cylindropuntia wolfii? American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education, USA. March 5, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Alvarez Zepeda S, Gunther K, Vanderplank S, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Analysis of the Binational Distribution and Genetic Variation of Xylococcus bicolor. American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education, USA. March 5, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Carlos Portillo, Niveditha Ramadoss, Amy Ordu�o, FLORES-RENTER�A L. An overview of the microhabitat in Cylindropuntia wolfii fruits. American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education, USA. March 5, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Gomez J, Vanderplank S, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Evaluating the genetic diversity of Ferocactus gatesii in BLA. Student Research Symposium. San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States, February 28-29, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Carlos Portillo, Niveditha Ramadoss, Amy Ordu�o, FLORES-RENTER�A L. An overview of the microhabitat in Cylindropuntia wolfii fruits. Student Research Symposium San Diego State University, USA. February 27-28, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss, Amy Ordu�o, Hao Duong, FLORES-RENTER�A L. What is causing the reduced seed production in Cylindropuntia wolfii? Student Research Symposium San Diego State University, USA. February 27-28, 2020.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Gunther K, Sula Vanderplank, Andres Ordu�o Cruz, Jon P. Rebman, FLORES-RENTER�A L. An integrative approach to assess the conservation status of the binationally distributed Mission Manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor). Student Research Symposium. San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States, February 28-29, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Amy Ordu�o, Niveditha Ramadoss, Carlos Portillo, *Hao Duong, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Development of unisexual flower by abortion in Cylindropuntia wolfii? Student Research Symposium San Diego State University, USA. February 27-28, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
McElwee-Adame A, Silva K, Gonzalez-Elizondo S, Sniezko R, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Spatial Distributions Effect on the Evolution of Arbutus in North America. Student Research Symposium. San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States, February 28-29, 2020.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Barajas E, Vanderplank S, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Understanding the conservation concern and population variation of a narrowly endemic Salvia pachyphylla subspecies. XVI Binational Botany Symposium of Baja California, SDSU, San Diego, California, December 12-13, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Buck R, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Ghost of the Southwest: Unraveling the origin of Pinus quadrifolia and Pinus juarezensis. XVI Binational Botany Symposium of Baja California, SDSU, San Diego, California, December 12-13, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
McElwee-Adame A, Silva K, Gonzalez-Elizondo S, R. Sniezko, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Spatial Distributions Effect on the Evolution in Arbutus of North America. XVI Binational Botany Symposium of Baja California, SDSU, San Diego, California, December 12-13, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Amy Orduno, Niveditha Ramadoss, Carlos Portillo, Hao Duong, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Development of unisexual flower by abortion in Cylindropuntia wolfii? Binational Botany Symposium, San Diego State University, USA. December 12-13, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Alvarez Zepeda S, Gunther K, Vanderplank S, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Analysis of the Binational Distribution and Genetic Variation of Xylococcus bicolor. XVI Binational Botany Symposium of Baja California, SDSU, San Diego, California, December 12-13, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Carlos Portillo, Niveditha Ramadoss, Amy Orduno, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Zooming into the fruits of Cylindropuntia wolfii with reduced seed production. Binational Botany Symposium, San Diego State University, USA. December 12-13, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss, Amy Orduono, Hao Duong, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Analyzing the factors affecting seed production in Cylindropuntia wolfii. Binational Botany Symposium, San Diego State University, USA. December 12-13, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Amy Ordu�o, Niveditha Ramadoss, FLORES-RENTER�A L. The Cellular Process behind Unisexual Flower Development in Cylindropuntia wolfii, SACNAS, The National Diversity in STEM Conference, Hawaii, USA. October 31- November 2, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Amy Ordu�o, Niveditha Ramadoss, Hao Duong, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Functional dioecy in Cylindropuntia wolfii; 1st International Congress of Cacti and Succulents, Saltillo, Mexico. September 23-27, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
McElwee-Adame, S. Vanderplank, B. OShea, D. Talley, D. Berry, J. Gomez, D. Nieves, E. *Barajas, I. A. Rivera Larrea, K. Gunther, M. Galvan, *M. Cortez, N. Venuti, S. Alvarez, R. Buck, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Ferocactus gatesii (Biznaga): A Case of Edaphic Endemism. 1 st Congreso Internacional de Cactaceas y Suculentas, September 23-27, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Niveditha Ramadoss, Amy Orduno, Hao Duong, Li Yan, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Factors affecting seed production in Cylindropuntia wolfii 1st International Congress of Cacti and Succulents, Saltillo, Mexico. September 23-27, 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Ryan Buck & FLORES-RENTER�A L. Interspecies Hybridization in Pinyon Pines. II San Diego Botanical Society Symposium, Natural History Museum, September 13th 2019.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Gomez J, Vanderplank S, FLORES-RENTER�A L. Evaluating the distribution of Ferocactus gatesii and the genetic. XVI Binational Botany Symposium of Baja California, SDSU, San Diego, California, December 12-13, 2019.
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Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:We have selected six Hispanic undergraduates from SDSU who participated in the summer internship. During the summer of 2019, we visited several places in Baja California to expose students to the vegetation shared by California and Baja California. Additionally, we visited research institutions so the students can expand their professional network. SDSU students in the internship have wrote a paper about their experience http://terrapeninsular.org/en/binational-plant-distribution-in-baja-california-exploring-san-quintin-with-terra-peninsular/ and have participated in workshops to disseminate their findings and engage the public in conservation of native plants. Because we used a tier-mentorship approach, we also involved three graduate students to participate in activities to teach the undergraduate students. Aditionally, we reached a couple dozen of students through workshop activities led by our trained undergraduate students and in partnership with the Ocea Discovery Institute. The worksho targeted younger students from underrepresented communities, ranging ages from five to eighteen years, and accompanying parents. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The entire internship has been a rich training and professional development experience for the interns and the graduate student. Training has included lab, field and computer work, as well as multiple opportunities to engage with professionals from forestry and natural resources to explore the suite of available opportunities for the future. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Initial dissemination has been to high school and middle school students, as well as the laboratory peer-group of undergraduate and graduate students. Further dissemination will begin in October. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Further analysis and dissemination of these first results, as well as lots more of the same activities with new groups of students. We expect to have our first paper fully published next year too.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
a. Each student developed and individual project for a different plant species, but worked together in pairs during fieldwork, and as a team in the classroom to use online tools and mine data for their projects. b. During fieldtrip to Baja California the students interacted with many Mexican colleagues, exchanging contact information and expanding their professional networks as well as increasing their understanding of the international academic community and land management communities. Collaborations involved staff and students from CICESE, UABC, Terra Peninsula in Mexico, and local organization the Ocean Discovery Institute in San Diego, where our students interacted with high school and middle school students. c. Extensive time in the laboratory allowed each student to learn the full suite of molecular laboratory techinques necessary to analyze the population genetics of binational plants. d. Some results are still pending for the genetic diversity while we wait for sequences to be sent back from collaborating institutions, but the students are already well-versed in the software and analytical techniques that they will use to analyze the final data set. e. Studentsare registered to present posters at the Binational Botany Symposium in December of this year. (Several are also registered to present posters at the Western Society of Naturalists meeting in Ensenada, Baja California in October). All students will give talks at the Student Research Symposium next spring. These talks have already been developed. f. All students presented their research to High School and Middle School students from underserved communities in San Diego (95% students of color), in partnership with the local non-profit organization Ocean Discovery Institute. g. Our graduate student (Alex Adame) has worked closely with the undergraduate students this summer and in collaboration with the project team a draft article has already been written and is currently being reviewed and edited by co-authors. h. Undergraduates were fortunate enough to stay with Dr. SaffordUSDA-Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region in the Sierra San Pedro Martir of Baja California, Mexico,where they went onplant walks, elaborated on the impacts of fire ecology and management both sides of the border, and discussed their individual projects. We were also accompanied in the San Jacinto Moiuntains of California by Katherine Renwcik of the US Forest Service.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
https://binationalstudies.wixsite.com/internship
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
http://terrapeninsular.org/en/binational-plant-distribution-in-baja-california-exploring-san-quintin-with-terra-peninsular/
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Sula Vanderplank et al. 2019. Ferocactus gatesii, an edaphic endemic? Journal of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America. Under Review.
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