NSF-IRES: Tropical Plant-Pollinator Interactions in a Changing World

Overview

Most flowering plants depend on animal pollinators for reproduction. Disruptions to plant-pollinator interactions pose significant risks to food security and global economies, particularly in tropical regions where these interactions remain understudied. This project, funded by the National Science Foundation, investigates how climate and landscape changes affect plant-pollinator interactions in tropical regions. The research is based in Colombia, one of the most biologically and agriculturally diverse countries in the world. Colombia’s variable topography and diverse climates provide an ideal natural laboratory for studying these ecological relationships.

This eight-week program (June 1–July 25, 2025) provides students with a unique opportunity to integrate multiple research fields, including behavior, molecular biology, and ecophysiology, while applying advanced techniques to address urgent scientific and societal challenges in conservation and agriculture. The project explores predictions related to phenotypic plasticity, the interactive effects of environmental stressors on organisms’ thermal tolerance, and the influence of temperature and humidity on plant-pollinator interactions. The findings will advance our understanding of ecology, physiology, and the conservation of plant-pollinator systems, offering practical applications for sustainable agriculture.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency.
• Enrollment in an undergraduate program at a U.S. institution.
• A valid passport.
• Spanish proficiency is not required but is highly desirable.

Participant support

The program provides comprehensive assistance, covering international travel, lodging, and a generous stipend for participants.

How to Apply:

• Submit the application form. You will be asked to provide information about your college, major, relevant experience, and interest in the program.
• Additionally, you must include the names and contact details (phone number and email address) of two references and upload copies of your academic transcripts.
• Request Recommendation Letters. Arrange for two recommendation letters to be sent directly by the writers to: ires@ku.edu.

Applications are due on February 15, 2025, 5:00 pm CST.

Please direct any questions about the program or the application process to: ires@ku.edu