BotanyNichole Tiernan
2018 The Garden Club of America Fellowship in Tropical Botany
Nichole Tiernan is a PhD candidate in a joint program by Florida International University and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Her research focuses on the neotropical genus Plumeria, commonly called frangipani, a charismatic tropical garden plant that grows throughout the Caribbean. Although several species are commonly grown, much remains unknown about them. Tiernan’s research seeks to resolve the confusing taxonomy using molecular phylogenetics and morphological studies. e revised classi cation also will help inform conservation threats. Systematic studies of threatened plants provide a framework for what and where to conserve, especially in the Caribbean, which is a biodiversity hotspot.
The Garden Club of America Fellowship in Tropical Botany
To promote the preservation of tropical forests by enlarging the body of botanists with field experience.
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