Project # 268
Center name: Desert Botanical Garden - The Hernandez Lab
Campus/Location: Tempe
Faculty lead: Tania Hernandez
Project description
The Hernandez Lab at the Desert Botanical Garden is a collaborative team of researchers, students, interns, and volunteers dedicated to the study and conservation of desert plant biodiversity, with a particular focus on cacti and agaves, two of the plant groups under the highest threat of extinction. We integrate cutting-edge DNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses with innovative conservation tools, an international network of collaborators, and a strong local community of committed volunteers to generate knowledge that guides the protection and long-term persistence of species. We believe plant conservation is both a scientific imperative and a shared responsibility, and our work centers on understanding genetic diversity, adaptation, and resilience in desert plants; especially in the face of climate change. Through mentorship, research, and hands-on programs such as the Saguaro Initiatives, we connect science, community, and action to safeguard desert ecosystems for future generations.
To learn more about our work, visit https://www.hernandezlab-dbg.com/
Project Location: Desert Botanical Garden and remote work
Special skills needed
Saguaros are more than symbols of the Sonoran Desert, they are living neighbors in our cities. From backyards and schoolyards to street medians and parks, thousands of saguaros live in urban landscapes. These urban saguaros tell a powerful story about how wildlife and people share space in a rapidly changing desert.
The Saguaro Initiatives at Desert Botanical Garden are a coordinated, community-driven effort to understand, protect, and secure the future of saguaros in urban environments, where climate change, extreme heat, and development are placing unprecedented stress on this iconic species.
** Saguaro Census Scientist Lead, Honors Student or Intern **
Each year, the Saguaro Census generates thousands of observations on saguaros and their health across the Phoenix Valley. Analysis of these data has already revealed critical patterns. For example, that saguaros in urban landscapes are declining rapidly due to development and increasing physiological stress. As a dynamic, growing program, the Saguaro Census continually evolves and requires ongoing data analysis and refinement. The information generated through this work is essential for developing science-based strategies to support the recovery and conservation of urban saguaros, and for understanding how they are affected by the urban heat island effect and climate change.
The Saguaro Census Scientist Lead conducts statistical analyses of census data, integrates climatic and weather datasets relevant to urban environments, prepares reports, and works closely with the Saguaro Census team to propose and implement improvements to the program.
Requisites:
- Background or strong interest in biology, ecology, environmental science, data science, or a related field
- Basic experience with data analysis, statistics, or programming (e.g., R, Python, Excel, or similar)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Access to a personal computer and reliable internet connection
- Availability of approximately 5–10 hours per week (with some seasonal flexibility)
- Ability to participate in a bi-weekly advisory meeting and a quarterly full-team meeting
Benefits:
- Hands-on experience analyzing real conservation and urban ecology data
- Training in statistical analysis and integration of climate and environmental datasets
- Mentorship from conservation scientists at Desert Botanical Garden
- Flexibility to work remotely / from home, with a schedule that can adapt to academic commitments
- Experience contributing to science-based conservation strategies for an iconic desert species
- Opportunities for authorship on scientific publications and presentation at conferences (based on contribution and commitment)
- Strong resume-building experience in conservation science, data analysis, and applied research
Majors
Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology), Sustainability, Data Science, Computational Mathematical Sciences, Biology, Mathematics (Statistics) and related
Years
-3rd Year Students
-4th Year Students- Seniors
-ASU Online Barrett Honors Students (fully remote work)
Themes
Cross-listed with the following themes:
Biological, Chemical, and Physical Sciences, Data Analytics and Mathematics, Sustainability
