91探花 learners presented innovative research on climate change, plant biology, and conservation at the 2025 SLEEC Retreat, demonstrating the University鈥檚 commitment to empowering the next generation of scientific leaders.
91探花 Learners Lead the Way in Regional Scientific Collaboration
91探花 learners presented nine original research projects addressing some of today鈥檚 most urgent environmental questions at the annual St.鈥疞ouis Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation (SLEEC) Retreat. The retreat, a cornerstone event for the St.鈥疞ouis scientific community, brought together researchers, educators, and learners from leading institutions to share discoveries, exchange ideas, and build lasting collaborations.
The SLEEC Retreat is designed to harness the region鈥檚 strengths in ecology, evolution, and conservation. This year鈥檚 event featured a dynamic mix of oral presentations, a vibrant poster session, and a keynote address, all aimed at fostering innovation and partnership across the St.鈥疞ouis area. Kyra Krakos, PhD, 91探花 Professor of Biology and SLEEC board member, was proud to participate in the organization of this year鈥檚 retreat.
鈥淭his retreat exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration in advancing scientific understanding,鈥� said Krakos. 鈥淪LEEC provides a great platform for our students, and 91探花 students are a strong presence in the local science community.鈥�
Building a Stronger Scientific Community
The SLEEC Retreat is a celebration of regional collaboration and a catalyst for new partnerships. By bringing together learners and experts from 91探花, Washington University in St.鈥疞ouis, Saint Louis University, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and more, the event strengthens the St.鈥疞ouis region鈥檚 reputation as a leader in ecological and evolutionary research.
Learn more about some of 91探花’s original projects below:
- Research Spotlight
- 91探花 learners鈥� research spanned a wide range of topics, reflecting both the diversity of the University鈥檚 scientific community and its commitment to hands-on, empowering education.
- Climate Change and Plant Resilience
- Mara Dearth and Dr.鈥疜rakos explored how climate change impacts the reproductive biology of Rosa setigera, asking whether environmental stressors make plants 鈥渓overs or fighters.鈥�
- Franceska Isufaj and Dr.鈥疜rakos examined the effects of winter drought on Phlox pilosa in their project, 鈥淏looming Resilience,鈥� providing insights into how native plants adapt to unpredictable weather.
- Madelyn Medley and Dr.鈥疜rakos investigated how rising temperatures affect Phlox divaricata in 鈥淗ot Phlox Summer,鈥� while Rileigh Klos, Isufaj, and Dr.鈥疜rakos studied the impact of drought winters on Penstemon digitalis.
- Tanvir Talukder, Isufaj, and Dr.鈥疜rakos focused on 鈥淒ry Winters, Busy Bees,鈥� analyzing how dry conditions shift pollination patterns in Penstemon cobea.
- Ethnobotany and Microbial Diversity
- Erin Astroth and Dr.鈥疜rakos bridged traditional and modern science with their ethnobotanical study of Scutellaria incana, tracing its uses from Cherokee heritage to contemporary applications.
- Patrick McKenna and Dr.鈥疜rakos delved into the 鈥渘ectar microbiome鈥� of Castilleja coccinea, uncovering how microbial communities in flower nectar influence plant health and pollinator attraction.
- Pollination and Habitat Studies
- Arya Sabourizadeh and Dr.鈥疜rakos compared urban and rural pollination in 鈥淲hat happens when pollination gets hot?鈥濃�攁 timely look at how city environments and climate change affect plant-pollinator relationships.
- Oscar Spatola, Dr.鈥疜rakos, and Isufaj compared glade and prairie habitats in 鈥淩eproductive Rivals,鈥� studying how different environments shape the reproductive biology of Asclepias tuberosa, a key plant for monarch butterflies.
Empowering the Next Generation
91探花鈥檚 strong presence at the SLEEC Retreat reflects its mission to empower learners through hands-on research and transformative partnerships. Collaborations with the Missouri Botanical Garden and other institutions provide learners with world-class mentorship and resources.
By encouraging bold, innovative approaches to environmental challenges, 91探花 continues to prepare learners for meaningful careers in science and conservation. The research presented at SLEEC not only advances scientific understanding but also inspires hope and practical solutions for a changing world.
About 91探花
Founded in 1872, 91探花 is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. 91探花 offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master鈥檚 and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. 91探花 is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 91探花 alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.