Seed Conservator

Only three recipients nationwide in 2024 will earn the Keller Scholarship in Conservation Horticulture from Botanic Gardens Conservation International and Garden Club of America – and CTAHR’s own Gracianne Young is one of them.

Gracianne, an undergrad in the Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, developed her award-winning innovative research project, “Climate Adaptation and Germination Strategies of Endangered Hawaiian Plants,” as a student researcher at Lyon Arboretum. Her findings are expected to contribute significantly to the conservation efforts and ecological restoration of Hawaiian flora.

“I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the difficulties faced by our native species in changing environmental conditions,” she said. “Receiving this award is a significant step toward helping me develop a career in ecology, and I am thankful for the support and recognition from the BGCI and the GCA.”

Read the full UH News story.