BioTECH Student Research: Orchids
Seed Morphometry
Orchids are among the smallest seeds produced by flowering plants. Seed size, shape, and structural qualities can tell us a lot about how they are dispersed.
Fairchild Researcher: Jason Downing, Ph.D.
Project Resources: Master Data Sheet, Seed morphometry of epiphytic orchids, Seed morphology of tropical and temperate orchid species, Student Fact Sheet, Student PPT, Drive
Collaborators: North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC)
Location: Hsiao Imaging Lab / Seed Lab
Seed Banking
Million Orchid Project student-supported research includes designing and testing methods for native orchid seed banking efforts.
Fairchild Researcher: Jason Downing, Ph.D
Project Resources: Data Sheet, Viability testing of orchid seeds, master data sheet, Student Project Abstract, Student PPT, Drive
Location: Hsiao Imaging Lab / Seed Lab
Students support the metagenomic sequencing of several Vanilla orchid species using next-generation bioinformatics. This work will contribute to ongoing conservation efforts for wild vanilla species in Florida by comparing different species’ genomes.
Fairchild Researcher: Jason Downing, Ph.D., Nichole Tiernan, Ph.D.
Community collaborators: Alan Chambers, Ph.D., University of Florida: Tropical Research and Education Center
Project Resources: Protocols, Data Sheet, Drive , Cyverse
Location: Dimare Science Village
Student Resources
Student Safety
Map (color)
Map (plots)
Media Release
Student Group Proposal
Mentor Resources
Executive Intern Evaluation
Senior Intern Assignments