April 29, 2021–Missouri Western State University biology major Esther Par of St. Joseph has won the prestigious 2021 Stan Hudson Research Grant Award from the Missouri Native Plant Society. Par will receive $1,500 toward her research supplies and will present her research at the upcoming Botanical Symposium in Rolla, Mo.
Par is conducting her research with Missouri Western Biology Assistant Professor Dr. Tilo Roy. The project involves understanding the evolutionary diversification of the temperate North American false foxgloves plants, genus Aglinis, with endangered prairie native species. False foxgloves are one of approximately 21 species of this genus that warrant conservation measures. Par has been a part of Dr. Roy’s research team since summer 2019.
“Esther is an excellent student, very hard working and motivated, and well-deserving of this award,” said Dr. Roy.
This annual grant honors the late H. Stanton Hudson, a long-time member of the Missouri Native Plant Society. Previous recipients of the award include students from University of Missouri; University of Missouri, St. Louis; Washington University, St. Louis; and St. Louis University.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit missouriwestern.edu.