The Chicago Botanic Garden is recruiting MS student for Fall 2018 entry into the Plant Biology and Conservation graduate program (offered jointly by Northwestern University and Chicago Botanic Garden) to conduct research on seed ecology of Viola species in the Chicago region to inform restoration efforts. The student working on this project will work with Drs Andrea Kramer, Kay Havens, and Linda MacKechnie, a collaborator at Ball Horticultural Company, to conduct germination studies that identify optimum germination conditions for numerous species and populations of Viola species native to the Chicago region. This research will also test the impacts of different seed storage conditions on viability and germination requirements for the study species, with opportunities to expand into other avenues based upon the interests of the student. This will involve research in the laboratories at Chicago Botanic Garden and potentially Ball Horticultural Company. Additionally, there is potential to work with native seed growers and restoration practitioners to identify which Viola species have been produced and used in restoration seed mixes, and which conditions have led to the best outcomes in terms of producing plants and seeds. For more information, please contact Andrea Kramer (akramer@chicagobotanic.org). Applications to the Plant Biology and Conservation program are due Feb 15, 2018. See www.plantbiology.northwestern.edu for additional details about the graduate program.