News Published: 15 April 2025

The Garden Club of America (GCA), in partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S. (BGCI-US), is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of The Keller Scholarship in Conservation Horticulture—an award that supports undergraduate students committed to advancing plant conservation through experiential learning at public gardens across the United States.

Established in 2020 by Kathy and David Keller of the Akron Garden Club, the Keller Scholarship is designed to promote plant conservation capacity and coordination among botanic gardens in the U.S. Each year, it provides up to $5,000 in funding for promising undergraduate students studying biology, horticulture, or related fields to engage directly with conservation work in public gardens. Scholars are selected based on academic promise, passion for plant preservation, and a clear commitment to using their education in service of biodiversity.

This year’s three outstanding Keller Scholars are:

Abigail Jones – University of Texas at Austin

A returning Keller Scholar, Abigail is graduating soon from University of Texas, Austin and will once again work with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where she has previously interned. Her project focuses on collecting seeds from imperiled native species, including Salvia pentstemonoides and Quercus hinckleyi. Abigail will also curate an educational exhibit to engage visitors with the Center’s seed banking and conservation efforts.

Emma Whitehead – California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo

Emma, a fourth-year Plant Sciences major with a concentration in Environmental Horticulture Sciences, will spend her summer at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Her work will span plant propagation, garden development, curation, and public outreach. Emma hopes to deepen her understanding of botanic garden operations while helping connect her community to the value of plants and conservation.

Ryan Rey – University of Florida at Gainesville

Ryan, a junior at the University of Florida, will collaborate with research botanist James Lange at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to study the taxonomy of the Galactia volubilis group—several closely related species endemic to Southeastern Florida. He will conduct field research, collect tissue samples for DNA analysis, and grow cuttings in Fairchild’s greenhouse to clarify species distinctions and inform future conservation strategies.

The Keller Scholarship not only supports these scholars financially, but also connects them with a growing network of experts and institutions dedicated to protecting plant diversity. With climate change and habitat loss placing unprecedented pressure on native flora, the work of these students will be critical to informing and inspiring conservation efforts nationwide.

For more information on the Keller Scholarship and other GCA fellowships, visit https://www.gcamerica.org/scholarships.