The University of Reading Herbarium (RNG) holds the collections of the Cyclamen Society expeditions dating back to 1987. Last year students started cataloguing these. This year we hope to move the collections into a digital format through databasing and imaging. You will join the herbarium, part of an international network of preserved plant collections to help image curation and science outreach. You will be encouraged to publicise work using the Herbarium Social media account.
Department: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Supervised by: Alastair Culham
Working with the Culham research group at Reading you will be trained in collection-databasing, production of herbarium labels, digital imaging of specimens and the mounting and filing of herbarium specimens. Two UROP students will work in alongside PhD students conducting research on other plant groups and on Cyclamen. You will be further involved in Herbarium outreach via Twitter, Facebook and blogging activities.
Converting field notes and assorted collection records into a coherent archive. Handling field collected plant material and preparing these as permanent herbarium specimens. High resolution digital imaging and linking those images to the database. Keeping a lab book and attending weekly lab meetings.
An eye for detail, ability to read challenging handwriting, ability to handle delicate objects. Computing skills. An interest in plants.
Archival photography, herbarium databasing, data management. Group working skills and problem solving skills. Professional Social Media skills.
Harborne Building
Normal working hours are 09.00-17.00 with appropriate breaks.
Monday 17 June 2019 - Friday 26 July 2019
The post will be advertised centrally on the UROP website between 28th March and 26th April 2019. Students should submit their CV and a letter stating why you are interested in this specific opportunity directly to the Project Supervisor (click on supervisor name at the top of the page for email). Successful candidates will then be invited to interview.