Research Training Program

Karen Dillman
University of Alaska
Fairbanks, AK

Vicki Funk, Ph.D.
Department of Botany

"After being here for a few weeks, I now have a much better picture of what the Smithsonian does and how the people who work here are enthusiastic and dedicated to their projects."

Biological Diversity of the Guianas - Fabaceae

This work was done on the Biological Diversity of the Guianas project. The Fabaceae family, specifically the legumes, was the focus of this project. Data was entered into the Data Base III computer program (from label information of specimens), identified specimens were mounted, unknown legumes were identified using available, up to date treatments. Curation proceedures on a large scale were also focused on such as collection and record keeping techniques in the field, history of plant nomenclature, and how to utilize available library reference material. This project moved the Biological Diversity of the Guianas project a few inches forward towards completion of processing of the thousands of plants and data collected from the Guianas for the Smithsonian.