The Rare Plant RaMP (Research & Mentoring for Post-Baccalaureates in Biological Sciences) program is a one-year research experience intended for individuals who were not able to participate extensively in research during their undergraduate degree program. This program is particularly intended for individuals from demographics historically excluded from STEM, first generation scholars, and those from under-resourced institutions. Those interested in gaining research and professional development experience in botany, plant science, or conservation are encouraged to apply.

This specific Rare Plant RaMP program will be dispersed across four botanic gardens. Mentees in this geographically distributed, research-focused program will have direct guidance from a mentor and co-mentors as they pursue their research in the area of rare plant science and conservation. This RaMP will empower mentees to perform both independent and collaborative research, and strengthen their ability to communicate science to other researchers, to policymakers, and to the general public.

Program Dates: August 2023 – July 2024

RaMP Offers:
Research Experience: Engage in a year long research program under the guidance of a mentor and co-mentors around the theme of rare plant research.
Program-wide meetings: Every other week, mentees and their peers will participate in discussion sessions focusing on reading primary literature, research skills and ethics, science communication, professional development, and career guidance.
Exchange visits and workshops: Mentees will have the opportunity to visit other academic, government, or industry labs to further their professional goals and attend relevant workshops.
Annual program symposium: Mentees will present their research at a yearly scientific conference-style symposium.
Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) conference: Mentees and their mentors will attend the annual CPC Conference. Mentees will present their research, while also networking with other experts in their fields of interest.
Science Communication: Mentees will lead a science communication project around a topic of their choice.
Yearly stipend: $41,000 with benefits, a research stipend, and funded travel expenses for conferences, symposia, workshops, and exchange visits. Specific benefits will vary at each botanic garden.

Eligibility:
Individuals who are first-generation college students, students from low-income households, or those from groups historically excluded from STEM are encouraged to apply.
Participants must have a baccalaureate college degree before participating in the program (applicants must apply to the program before or within four years of graduation, with extensions allowed for family, medical leave, or military service).
Individuals cannot be currently enrolled or accepted into a graduate program.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.

Application Requirements:
Complete the online ETAP application, including a recent resume or CV and cover letter. In your resume or CV, be sure to highlight any previous research and work experience. The cover letter should describe your career goals and research interests in greater detail, how this program will influence your professional development in research, and indicate your preference regarding botanic garden, mentors, or specific projects. This is the best way to show us what you have accomplished that has been interesting to you, and how that may translate into this research experience.