Orchid Recovery Program: Students

Undergraduate students are the heart and soul of the Orchid Recovery Program. We emphasize teamwork, ethics, reliability, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the natural world. Since 1996, ca. 100 IC students have participated in laboratory and/or field-based research projects, and many have published scientific papers, abstracts, and/or presented talks at regional, national and international meetings. Our research collaborations here in North America and abroad provide opportunities for our students to connect with leading researchers, and to become global citizens. Below is a list of some of the collaborator institutions that have worked with IC students in our program.

IC student, Emily Massey (center) studying orchids in a pine forest outside of Mexico City, 2006.

Many of our students eventually pursue graduate studies, and several have used their research experience to gain entry into PhD programs directly upon graduation from IC. Below are some examples of students who have worked in the Orchid Recovery Program, and the professional program they entered immediately after graduating from IC:

Rach Helmich as an IC senior in 2017, now in graduate school. Rach's experiment (germinating seed and fungi stored >20 years) was a success which garnered interest from orchid experts worldwide. She presented a poster on her research at the 22nd World Orchid Conference in Ecuador that year.
Lynnaun Johnson (right), now a PhD student at Northwestern University, receives feedback from Cuban orchid expert, Dr. Ernesto Mujica while at Soroa Orchid Garden in 2018.

Darcie Dennis, Univ. Southern Mississippi (MS)

Amber Furnes, Univ. South Dakota (MS)

Ray Geroff, Western Illinois University (MS)

Jared Hartsock, Washington University, St. Louis (PhD)

Sarah Hopkins, University Alaska-Fairbanks (PhD)

Lynnaun Johnson, Western Illinois University (MS)

Annie Kirk, Michigan State University (PhD)

Emily Massey, University of Florida (MS)

Katie Miller, SIU-Edwardsville (MS)

Lillian Moller-Jacobs, Penn St. Univ. (PhD)

Kurt Piskin, University of Illinois (MS)

Sarah Poulter, SIU-Edwardsville (MS)

James (JJ) Sadler, University of Florida (MS)

Scott Stewart, University of Florida (PhD)

Rachel Helmich, SIU-Edwardsville (MS)

Audrey Knight, Johns Hopkins University (PhD)

Dustin Swanson, Clemson University (MS)

Jennifer Sunley, Illinois State University (MS)

Megan Wilson, University of Wyoming (MS)

Erin Wood, University of Florida (MS)

Haleigh Ray, University of Florida (MS)

John McCormick, East Tennessee State University (MS)

Grant Morton, SIU-Edwardsville (MS)

Hana Thixton, SIU-Edwardsville (MS)

Ashley Hembrough, Illinois State University (MS)

Angie Martin, Texas A&M (MS)

Amanda Wood, University of Pennsylvania (MS)

Shannon Skarha, Queen Mary University, London UK (MS)

Justin Mably, University of Illinois Springfield (MS)

Ashley Yates, University of Nebraska (MS)

Connor Melton, SIU-Edwardsville (MS)

Publications with Undergraduate Students Co-Authors

Zettler, LW, F Barrington, and TM McInnis, Jr. 1995. Developmental morphology of Spiranthes odorata (Orchidaceae) in symbiotic culture. Lindleyana 10: 211-216.

Zettler, LW and CJ Hofer. 1997. Sensitivity of Spiranthes odorata seeds to light during in vitro symbiotic seed germination. Lindleyana 12: 26-29.

Zettler, LW, T Wilson Delaney and JA Sunley. 1998. Seed propagation of the epiphytic green-fly orchid (Epidendrum conopseum) using its endophytic fungus. Selbyana 19: 249-253.

Zettler, LW and CJ Hofer. 1998. Propagation of the little club-spur orchid (Platanthera clavellata) by symbiotic seed germination, and its ecological implications. Environmental and Experimental Botany 39: 189-195.

Zettler, LW, JC Burkhead, and JA Marshall. 1999. Use of a mycorrhizal fungus from Epidendrum conopseum to propagate Encyclia tampensis from seed in vitro. Lindleyana 14: 102-105.

Zettler, LW, JA Sunley, and T Wilson Delaney. 2000. Symbiotic seed germination of an orchid in decline (Platanthera integra) from the Green Swamp, North Carolina. Castanea 65: 207-212.

Yoder, JA, LW Zettler, and SL Stewart. 2000. Water requirements of terrestrial and epiphytic orchid seeds and seedlings, and evidence for water uptake by means of mycotrophy. Plant Science 156: 145-150.

Zettler, LW, SL Stewart, ML Bowles, and KA Jacobs. 2001. Mycorrhizal fungi and cold-assisted symbiotic germination of the Federally threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid, Platanthera leucophaea (Nuttall) Lindley. American Midland Naturalist 145: 168-175.

Bowles, ML, KA Jacobs, LW Zettler, and T Wilson Delaney. 2002. Crossing effects on seed viability and experimental germination of the Federal threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid, Platanthera leucophaea (Nuttall) Lindley. Rhodora 104: 14-30.

Stewart, SL, and LW Zettler. 2002. Symbiotic germination of three semi-aquatic rein orchids (Habenaria macroceratitis, H. quinqueseta, H. repens) from Florida. Aquatic Botany 72: 25-35.

Yoder, JA, PE Hanson, LW Zettler, JB Benoit, F Ghisays, and KA Piskin. 2003. Internal and external mycoflora of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae) and its ecological implications. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 69: 4994-4996.

Stewart, SL, LW Zettler, J Minso, and PM Brown. 2003. Symbiotic germination and reintroduction of Spiranthes brevilabris Lindley, an endangered orchid native to Florida. Selbyana 24: 64-70.

Zettler, LW, KA Piskin, SL Stewart, JJ Hartsock, ML Bowles, and TJ Bell. 2005. Protocorm mycobionts of a Federally threatened orchid, Platanthera leucophaea, and a technique to promote leaf formation in seedlings. Studies in Mycology 53: 163-171.

Zettler, LW, S Perlman, DJ Dennis, SE Hopkins, and SB Poulter. 2005. Symbiotic germination of the Federally endangered Hawaiian endemic, Platanthera holochila (Orchidaceae) using a mycobiont from Florida: a conservation dilemma. Selbyana 26(1,2): 269-276.

Zettler, LW, SB Poulter, KI McDonald, and SL Stewart. 2007. Conservation-driven propagation of an epiphytic orchid (Epidendrum nocturnum) with a mycorrhizal fungus. HortScience 42(1): 135-139.

Massey, EE and LW Zettler. 2007. An expanded role for in vitro symbiotic seed germination as a conservation tool: two case studies in North America (Platanthera leucophaea and Epidendrum nocturnum). Proceedings of the 3rd International Orchid Conservation Congress, Lankesteriana 7(1,2): 303-308.

Sadler, JJ, JM Smith, LW Zettler, H. T. Alborn, and LW Richardson. 2011. Fragrance composition of Dendrophylax lindenii (Lindley) Bentham ex Rolfe (Orchidaceae), using a novel technique applied in situ. European Journal Environmental Science 1(2): 137-141.

Zettler, L.W., L.L. Corey, L.W. Richardson, AY Ross, and L. Moller-Jacobs. 2011. Protocorms of an epiphytic orchid, (Epidendrum amphistomum A. Richard) recovered in situ, and subsequent identification of associated mycorrhizal fungi using molecular markers. European Journal Environmental Sciences 1(2): 108-114.

Zettler, LW, EM Wood, LJAN Johnson, A Kirk, and S Perlman. 2011. Seed propagation and re-introduction of the U.S. Federally endangered Hawaiian endemic, Platanthera holochila (Hbd.) Krz. (Orchidaceae). European Journal Environmental Sciences 1(2): 80-94.

Ray, HA, J McCormick, AL Stice, I Stocks, and LW Zettler. 2012. Occurrence of Biosduval scale, Diaspisboisduvalii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), on native epiphytic orchids in Collier Co., Florida, including Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Florida Entomologist 95: 311-317.

Zettler, LW, LL Corey, A Jacks, L Gruender, and A Lopez. 2013. Tulasnella irregularis (Basidiomycota: Tulasnellaceae) from roots of Encyclia tampensis (Lindl.) Small in South Florida, and confirmation of its mycorrhizal significance through symbiotic seed germination. Lankesteriana 13(1-2): 119-128.

Yokoya, K, LW Zettler, JP Kendon, M Bidartondo, AL Stice, S Skarha, LL Corey, A Knight, V Sarasan. 2015. Preliminary findings on identification of mycorrhizal fungi from diverse orchids in the Central Highlands of Madagascar. Mycorrhiza 25: 611-625 (DOI: 10.1007/s00572-015-0635-6) 47.

Hoang, NH, ME Kane, EN Radcliffe, LW Zettler, and LW Richardson. 2017. Comparative seed germination and seedling development of the Ghost Orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii (Orchidaceae), and molecular identification of its mycorrhizal fungi from south Florida. Annals of Botany 119(3): 379-393.

Zettler, LW, L Rajaovelona, K Yokoya, JP Kendon, AL Stice, AE Wood, and V Sarasan. 2017. Techniques for the collection, transportation, and isolation of orchid endophytes from afar: a case study from Madagascar. Botanical Studies 58:54.

Mujica, EB, JJ Mably, SM Skarha, LL Corey, LW Richardson, M Danaher, E Gonzalez, and LW Zettler. 2018. A comparison of Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) habitats in Florida and Cuba, with particular reference to seedling recruitment and mycorrhizal fungi. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 186: 572-586.

Published Abstracts with Undergraduate Student Co-Authors

Hofer, CJ, and LW Zettler. 1996. The role of white light photoperiod on the in vitro seed germination of Spiranthes odorata (Nutt.) Lindley (Orchidaceae) in symbiotic culture. Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin 43: 110.

Mariner, DJ and LW Zettler. 1996. The effect and importance of prolonged seed and fungus storage on in vitro symbiotic seed germination of the endangered monkey-face orchid (Platanthera integrilabia). Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin 43: 138.

Crock, CJ, LW Zettler, and DL Wyrick. 1997. Factors contributing to the enormity of an orchid population in the Blue Ridge of Tennessee. Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin 44: 125.

Sunley, JA, T Wilson Delaney, and LW Zettler. 1998. Seed propagation of the epiphytic green-fly orchid, Epidendrum conopseum, using its endophytic fungus: confirmation of mycorrhizal symbiosis. Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin 45: 133.

Burkhead, JC, JA Marshall, and LW Zettler. 1998. In vitro symbiotic seed germination of the Florida butterfly orchid, Encyclia tampensis: evidence for non-specificity for mycorrhizal fungi by an epiphytic orchid. Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin 45: 132.

Zettler, LW, JA Sunley, and T Wilson Delaney. 1999. Symbiotic micropropagation of the yellow fringless-orchid, Platanthera integra, from the Green Swamp, North Carolina. Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin 46: 182.

Marshall, JA, OB Reid, and LW Zettler. 1999. A beneficial effect of low seed density on the development of Encyclia tampensis (Orchidaceae): first demonstration for an epiphytic orchid. Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin 46: 164.

Stewart, SL, LW Zettler, ML Bowles, and KA Jacobs. 2000. Refining the technique of symbiotic seed germination on a Federal-threatened orchid, Platanthera leucophaea (Nutt.) Lindley. Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin 47: 146.

Brooks, MM and LW Zettler. 2000. Symbiotic seed germination of the northern oval-ladies' tresses, Spiranthes ovalis Lindley var. erostellata Catling. Association of Southeastern Biologists Bulletin 47:147.

Stewart, SL, LW Zettler, ML Bowles, and KA Jacobs. 2001. Symbiotic germination and mycorrhizal fungi of a Federally threatened orchid, Platanthera leucophaea. Southeastern Biology 48: 150.

Hudgens, HA, SL Stewart, and LW Zettler. 2001. Symbiotic germination of the rein orchids (Habenaria macroceratitis, H. quinqueseta, H. repens), and a description of orchid mycorrhizal fungi from Florida. Southeastern Biology 48: 166.

Zettler, LW, EL Maxwell, and SL Stewart. 2001. Do herbarium specimens harbor viable orchid seeds and mycorrhizal fungi for use in conservation? Southeastern Biology 48: 149.

Minso, J, SL Stewart, LW Zettler, and PM Brown. 2001. Seed germination and re-introduction of an endangered orchid (Spiranthes brevilabris) from Florida. Southeastern Biology 48: 167.

Stevens, JA, DJ Dennis, and LW Zettler. 2002. A survey of the dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera) of Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, Menard Co., Illinois. Southeastern Biology 49: 202.

Wagoner, CS, AL Stice, SL Stewart, and LW Zettler. 2002. Seed propagation of Spiranthes cernua (L.) Rich. (Orchidaceae) using mycorrhizal fungi from two genera (Epulorhiza and Ceratorhiza). Southeastern Biology 49: 168.

Hartsock, JJ, KA Piskin, and LW Zettler. 2003. Symbiotic seed germination of two showy terrestrial orchids (Platanthera ciliaris, P. cristata; Orchidaceae) using mycorrhizal fungi. Southeastern Biology 50: 149.

Piskin, KA, JJ Hartsock, LW Zettler, and ML Bowles. 2003. Seed germination requirements of a Federally threatened orchid (Platanthera leucophaea) in nature, and a technique to establish leaf-bearing seedlings onto soil. Southeastern Biology 50: 170.

Yoder, JA, PE Hanson, LW Zettler, JB Benoit, F Ghisays, and KA Piskin. 2003. Internal and external mycoflora of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variablis (Acari: Ixodidae), and its ecological implications. Council on Undergraduate Research, Muskingum College, New Concord, OH.

Bell, TJ, ML Bowles, LW Zettler, and S Poulter. 2004. Crossing effects on seed viability, germination, and protocorm growth of the Federal threatened eastern prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera leucophaea). 31st Annual Natural Areas Conference, Chicago, IL.

Hopkins, SE, SB Poulter, LW Zettler, and S Perlman. 2005. Symbiotic germination and mycorrhizal fungi of a Federally endangered Hawaiian endemic, Platanthera holochila (Orchidaceae). Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN.

Poulter, SB, KI McDonald, SE Hopkins, and LW Zettler. 2005. Comparative effects of light and media on the cultivation of rare orchids native to Florida. Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN.

McDonald, KI, SE Hopkins, S Perlman, and LW Zettler. 2006. The status and propagation of the Federally endangered Hawaiian endemic, Platanthera holochila (Orchidaceae). Southeastern Biology 53: 208.

Kutosky, W, KI McDonald, SB Poulter, and LW Zettler. 2006. Conservation-driven seed propagation and reintroduction of Epidendrum nocturnum (Orchidaceae) with a mycorrhizal fungus. Southeastern Biology 53: 201.

Turnquist, RL, AK Kirk, AR Morrison, S Perlman, and LW Zettler. 2008. In vitro seed germination and development of the Federally endangered Hawaiian endemic, Platanthera holochila (Orchidaceae) - an update. Transactions Illinois Academy Sciences (Volume 101 supplement: 61).

Massey, EE, LW Zettler, SL Stewart, and LW Richardson. 2008. Substrate preferences of epiphytic orchids (seedlings, juveniles, mature plants) within the Florida Panther Refuge NWR. Transactions Illinois Academy Sciences (Volume 101 supplement: 62).

Kirk, AK, LW Zettler, RL Turnquist, and S Perlman. 2008. In vitro and in situ seed germination of the Federally endangered Hawaiian orchid, Platanthera holochila. 8th Annual University Illinois - Springfield Research Symposium.

(A Kirk's presentation won "best paper" award at conference)

Geroff, RK, LJAN Johnson, D Marin, and LW Zettler. 2009. A preliminary survey of the micro-arthropods inhabiting terrestrial substrates near Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Costa Rica. Transactions Illinois Academy Sciences (Volume 102 supplement: 61).

Hamilton, PW, LM Reuschel, and LW Zettler. 2009. Color preferences of day-flying insects inhabiting disturbed and undisturbed sites near Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Costa Rica. Transactions Illinois Academy Sciences (Volume 102 supplement: 59).

(P. Hamilton's presentation was awarded 2nd place for undergraduate oral presentation, Zoology section)

Johnson, LJAN, LW Zettler, and S Perlman. 2009. An update on asymbiotic seed germination and in vitro development of the Federally endangered Hawaiian endemic, Platanthera holochila (Orchidaceae). Transactions Illinois Academy Sciences (Volume 102, supplement: 43).

Yates, AD, LW Zettler, S Perlman, and H Oppenheimer. 2010. Agar to soil seedling establishment of the Federally endangered Hawaiian endemic, Platanthera holochila (Orchidaceae), in vitro. Transactions Illinois Academy Sciences (Volume 103 supplement: 73).

Smith, JM, JJ Sadler, LW Zettler, HT Alborn, and LW Richardson. 2010. Floral fragrance composition of the ghost orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii (Lindley) Bentham ex Rolfe (Orchidaceae). Transactions Illinois Academy Sciences (Volume 103 supplement: 74).

(J. Smith's presentation was awarded 2nd place for undergraduate oral presentation, Botany section)

Zimmerman, CC, LW Zettler, LW Richardson. 2010. In vitro seedling development of the Florida clamshell orchid, Prosthechea cochleata (L.) W.E. Higgins var. triandra (Ames) W.E. Higgins, on three different asymbiotic media. Transactions Illinois Academy Sciences (Volume 103 supplement: 74).

Sadler, JJ, JM Smith, LW Zettler, HT Alborn, JA Zettler, and LW Richardson. 2010. Floral fragrance of the ghost orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii (Lindl.) Bentham ex Rolfe (Orchidaceae), and a novel technique for headspace collection in situ for epiphytic plants. 10th Annual University Illinois - Springfield Research Symposium.

(J Sadler's talk won "best presentation" award at conference)

Wood, EM, LL Moller-Jacobs, T Fugate, David, SE, LW Zettler, and S Perlman. 2011. Ex vitro soil establishment and reintroduction of the Federally endangered Hawaiian endemic, Platanthera holochila (Orchidaceae). Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Volume 104, Supplement 80-81).

Furness, AN, J Fortney, and LW Zettler. 2011. Viability assessment of orchid mycorrhizal fungi in prolonged cool (4-6 C) storage to benefit conservation. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Volume 104, Supplement 82).

Fugate, T, AN Furness, JA Zettler, LW Zettler, and LW Richardson. 2011. Incidence of pestiferous scales (Hemiptera: Asterolecaniidae, Coccidae, Diaspididae), on epiphytic orchids in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Volume 104, Supplement 81-82).

Moller-Jacobs, LL, AY Ross, LL Corey, LW Zettler, and LW Richardson. 2011. Protocorms of an epiphytic orchid (Epidendrum amphistomum) recovered in situ, and identification of associated mycorrhizal fungi using molecular markers. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Volume 104, Supplement 81).

(L. Moller-Jacobs' presentation awarded 2nd place, Botany section)

Ray, HA, LW Zettler, and G Sternberg. 2011. A preliminary survey of the Class Insecta at Starhill Forest Arboretum (Menard Co., IL). Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Volume 104, Supplement 97-98).

Fortney, J, AN Furness, and LW Zettler. 2011. Viability assessment of orchid mycorrhizal fungi in prolonged cool (4-6 C) storage to benefit conservation. 11th Annual University Illinois - Springfield Research Symposium.

Ross, AY, LL Moller-Jacobs, LL Corey, LW Zettler, and LW Richardson. 2011. Protocorms of an epiphytic orchid (Epidendrum amphistomum) recovered in situ, and identification of associated mycorrhizal fungi using molecular (ITS) markers. 11th Annual University Illinois - Springfield Research Symposium.

(A. Ross' presentation won "best paper" award at conference)

McCormick, J, HA Ray, AL Stice, I Stocks, and LW Zettler. 2012. Occurrence of Boisduval scale, Diaspis boisduvalii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), on native epiphytic orchids in Collier Co., Florida, including Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 105, p. 90).

Ray, HA, LW Zettler, and LW Richardson. 2012. A survey of the insects inhabiting the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, including first documentation of the Mexican bromeliad weevil, Metamasius callizona (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 105, p. 90).

David, SE, H Oppenheimer, SP Perlman, A Palomino, and LW Zettler. 2012. Survival assessment of Platanthera (Peristylus) holochila (Orchidaceae) seedlings in vitro and following reintroduction in Hawaii. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 105, p. 64).

(S. David's presentation awarded 2nd place, Botany section)

Ray, HA, J McCormick, AL Stice, I Stocks, and LW Zettler. 2012. Occurrence of Boisduval scale, Diaspis boisduvalii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), on native epiphytic orchids in Collier Co., Florida, including Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. University Illinois-Springfield Student Arts and Research Symposium (brochure, p. 19).

Edwards, KE, LW Zettler, AL Stice, J Kendon, L Rajaovelona. 2013. Endophytic fungi and seed germination of critically endangered epiphytic orchids from Madagascar – preliminary results. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 106, p. 28).

AL Jacks, LT Gruender, LT, AM Lopez, LL Corey, and Zettler, LW. 2013. Tulasnella irregularis (Basidiomycota: Tulasnellaceae) from roots of Encyclia tampensis (Lindl.) Small in South Florida, and confirmation of its mycorrhizal symbiosis through symbiotic seed germination. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 106, p. 28).

Zindel, A, C Elliott, LW Zettler and JA Zettler 2013. Boisduval scale (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on native epiphytic orchids in South Florida’s Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve – an update. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 106, p. 46).

Martin. AM, AL Stice, and LW Zettler. 2013. A winter survey of the insects inhabiting the Florida Panther National Wildlife. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 106, p. 45).

Hembrough, A, and LW Zettler. 2013. Ex vitro growth and survival of Encyclia tampensis (Orchidaceae) seedlings harboring mycorrhizal fungi following transfer to different substrates. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 106, p. 29).

Conley, S, W Morton, AL Stice, and LW Zettler. 2013. Reintroduction of asymbiotically-grown epiphytic orchid seedlings in South Florida (Epidendrum amphistomum , Polystachya concreta), and subsequent assessment for mycorrhizal colonization. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 106, p. 30).

Thixton, HL, KE Edwards, HM Sandford, JP Kendon, AL Stice, L Rajaovelona, S Cable, LW Zettler, and V Sarasan. 2013. Conservation of critically endangered orchids from the central highlands of Madagascar: results from the first of a five year project. 5th International Orchid Conservation Congress, Reunion Island.

Knight, AC, JP Kendon, AL Stice, K Yokoya, L Rajaovelona, G Ratovonirina, LL Corey, LW Zettler, and V Sarasan. 2013. Mycorrhizal fungi from mature roots and young seedlings of critically endangered orchids of Madagascar – first documentation from the Indian Ocean island. 5th International Orchid Conservation Congress, Reunion Island.

Patel, KK, KE Edwards, AL Stice, LW Richardson, and LW Zettler. 2013. Mycorrhizal fungi from native and invasive orchids inhabiting a remote, natural area in south Florida. 5th International Orchid Conservation Congress, Reunion Island.

Thixton, HL, KE Edwards, HM Sandford, JP Kendon, AL Stice, L Rajaovelona, S Cable, LW Zettler and V Sarasan. 2014. Conservation of critically endangered orchids from the central highlands of Madagascar: results from the first of a five year study. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 107, p. 54)

Knight, AC, JP Kendon, AL Stice, K Yokoya, L Rajaovelona, G. Ratovonirina, LL Corey, LW Zettler, and V Sarasan. 2014. Mycorrhizal fungi from endangered orchids of Madagascar – first documentation from the Indian Ocean island. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 107, p. 59).

(A. Knight’s presentation awarded 1st place -tie, Botany section)

Kuhn, GR, KM Kolis, and LW Zettler. 2014. Kissing bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) – vector of Chagas’ disease – in Monteverde, Costa Rica, and a technique to facilitate feeding in captivity for trypanosome sampling. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 107, p. 76).

Porter, SE, E Radcliffe, AL Stice, LW Richardson, and LW Zettler. 2014. Mycorrhizal fungi and symbiotic seed germination of the Grass-leaved Ladies’ Tresses, Spiranthes vernalis (Orchidaceae), in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 107, p. 55).

Patel, KK, E Mujica, and LW Zettler. 2014. The Ghost Orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii, in South Florida and Cuba: a mysterious tale of two very different habitats catering to one orchid species. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 107, p. 60).

Barclay, CH, DE Allgaier, and LW Zettler. 2014. New records of mycorrhizal fungi from the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid, Platanthera leucophaea, and physiological confirmation through symbiotic seed germination. Illinois State Academy Sciences (Supplement to Volume 107, p. 54).

Radcliffe, EN, KM Bishop, LL Corey, and LW Zettler. 2015. Mycorrhizal fungi from mature epiphytic orchids and seedlings native to south Florida, and a technique for pinpointing pelotons in roots. Illinois State Academy of Sciences (107th Meeting): Supplement to Volume 108, p. 49.

Skarha, S, K Yokoya, LW Zettler, J Kendon, M Bidartondo, A Stice, L Corey, A Knight, V Sarasan. 2015. Mycorrhizal fungi from diverse orchids in the Central Highlands of Madagascar: Preliminary Findings. Transactions Illinois State Academy of Sciences (107th Meeting): Supplement to Volume 108, p. 50.

Porter, S and LW Zettler. 2015. Preliminary evidence for fungal specificity among terrestrial and epiphytic orchids of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Transactions Illinois State Academy of Sciences (107th Meeting): Supplement to Volume 108, p. 49.

(S. Porter’s presentation awarded 1st place - tie, Botany section)

Mujica, E, LW Zettler, JJ Mably, SM Skarha, LL Corey, and M Danaher. 2016. Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) habitats in Florida and Cuba: differences, similarities, and implications for conservation. 6th International Orchid Conservation Congress, Hong Kong. Abstract Booklet.

Zettler, LW, AE Wood, EN Radcliffe, K Yokoya, JP Kendon, and V Sarasan. 2016. Collection, transport, and isolation of orchid mycorrhizal fungi from afar: techniques aimed at effective recovery of viable pelotons from roots of epiphytes, terrestrials, and lithophytes from remote field sites. 6th International Orchid Conservation Congress, Hong Kong. Abstract Booklet.

Sarasan, V., K Yokoya, LW Zettler, JP Kendon, MI Bidartondo, AL Stice, SM Skarha, LL Corey, AC Knight, M Rafter, E Schofield, and EP Jones. Endophytic mycorrhizal fungi of Madagascan orchids – applications of a new model for restoration and cryopreservation. 6th International Orchid Conservation Congress, Hong Kong. Abstract Booklet.

Mably, JJ, E. Mujica, LW Zettler, SM Skarha, LL Corey, and M Danaher. 2016. Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) habitats in Florida and Cuba: differences and similarities. Transactions Illinois State Academy of Sciences (108th Meeting): Supplement to Volume 109, p. 61-62.

Wood, AE, LW Zettler, EN Radcliffe, K Yokoya, JP Kendon, and V Sarasan. 2016. Collection, transport, and isolation of orchid mycorrhizal fungi from afar: techniques aimed at effective recovery of viable pelotons from roots of epiphytes, terrestrials, and lithophytes from remote field sites. Transactions Illinois State Academy of Sciences (108th Meeting): Supplement to Volume 109, p. 60.

Herdman, AR, JW Waggoner, E. Mujica, LW Zettler, and M Danaher. 2017. An update on Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) populations in Florida and Cuba, with special reference to seedling recruitment. Transactions Illinois State Academy of Sciences (109th Meeting): Supplement to Volume 110, p. 50.

(A. Herdman’s presentation awarded 1st place for undergraduate, Botany section)

Melton, CL, E Mujica, LW Zettler, AR Herdman, and M Danaher. 2018. Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) habitats in Florida and Cuba: year three of a four-year survey. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (110th Meeting).

Helmich, RE, EE Bahler, and LW Zettler. 2018. Viability of orchid endophytes in prolonged cool (4-6 C) storage for conservation purposes. Transactions Illinois State Academy Sciences (110th Meeting).

(R. Helmich’s presentation awarded 1st place for undergraduate, Botany section)