Abstract Detail

Teaching

Jones, Marcus [1], Bunner, Allissa [2].

Developing and Implementing Effective Student Chapter Programs.

In 2013, Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, started a student chapter of the Botanical Society of America. Since inception, the chapter has been operating out of the Arthur and Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory. This presentation aims to educate attendees on some of our most effective programs that BSA Student Chapters can utilize for introducing students to botany, in the lab and in the field. The ODU BSA Student Chapter arranged bi-weekly meetings and public workshops highlighting ethnobotany, student research efforts, and experienced biology professionals, which has helped broaden student body interest in botany. New and returning students visit the conservatory each week to work with staff and experienced volunteers during regularly scheduled volunteer hours. The ODU BSA student chapter also organized volunteer opportunities on campus, through programs like Monarchs for Monarchs, a monarch butterfly conservation initiative, and through a native plant growing program. In this program native seeds are responsibly collected, germinated, and distributed to local schools and restoration projects. The plants grown and cared for by students, are also sold to benefit the chapter and sponsor students . In 2015, volunteers from the BSA student chapter began working in a laboratory in another conservation effort. These student volunteers are helping ODU staff and faculty develop a North American Orchid Conservation Center, which focuses on developing an orchid seed and mycorrhizal fungal bank for Virginia native orchids. The programs described have been utilized at Old Dominion University increasing botany students opportunity to learn field and laboratory skills, while increasing volunteer opportunities and offering sponsorships for research and conferences.

Related Links:
Arthur and Phyllis Kaplan Orchid Conservatory
Student Botanists Old Dominion University

1 - Old Dominion University, Office of Research, 4111 Monarch Way, Suite 203, Norfolk, VA, 23508, USA
2 - Old Dominion University, 1000 Facilities Management, 4401 Powhatan Ave, Suite 203, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA

Keywords:
student-centered learning
programming
Student engagement.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 18, Teaching Section Papers Session I
Location: 101/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016
Time: 11:15 AM
Number: 18013
Abstract ID:865
Candidate for Awards:None