SCICU Grant Allows Biology Senior to Research Spartanburg Flora

Funded by an SCICU grant, Sheila Allenbach ’18 studied the Rosaceae flora of Spartanburg County using specimens she collected, as well as specimens in the Converse herbarium, and in herbaria across the nation, under the direction of Dr. Doug Jensen.

The research resulted in the confirmation and identification of the Rosaceae species located in Spartanburg County and made them accessible in the Converse Herbarium and online at the Southeast Regional Network of Expertise and Collections (SERNEC).

The specimens were pressed and dried; original labels were created for both the older specimens as well as the ones recently collected. Sheila prepared a list and a key of all the species in the family, and she curated and digitized specimens in our Herbarium to make them available for study worldwide. “I was able to learn vital research and background study skills, as well as the skills to identify botanical specimens,” Sheila said. “I also had the opportunity to practice proposal writing.” After all the specimens are digitized and accessible on SERNEC worldwide, Sheila’s research paper will be submitted for publication in the Biology Honor Society TriBeta’s Journal, BIOS.