Arkansas Tech University student Aubrey Evans’ interest in botany was sparked by an introductory course taught by Dr. Matthew Sharples.
Two years later, Evans has earned a grant that will allow her to work with Sharples on a comprehensive study of vascular plants in Pope County.
Evans is the recipient of a 2026 Delzie Demaree Research Grant from the Arkansas Native Plant Society.
A graduate of Bigelow High School, Evans began working as a herbarium technician in the ATU Department of Biological and Earth Sciences in January 2025. It was during that same semester that she took the Plant Taxonomy course at Arkansas Tech.
“What started in the classroom quickly grew into intrigue, and each experience has fueled my curiosity about the incredible diversity of plants,” said Evans. “Since then, my enthusiasm for botany has continued.”
Her research on vascular plants in Pope County — which include trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and ferns — is documenting native and non-native plant species. She is working to identify rare plants and previously undocumented occurrences. All the while, she is compiling a checklist supported by preserved plant specimens.
“Our project builds directly on my academic training in courses such as Botany, Plant Taxonomy and Dendrology,” said Evans. “My extensive hands-on experience working in the Arkansas Tech University herbarium has given me the opportunity to complete the first comprehensive floristic checklist of vascular plants in Pope County, a project that fills a clear scientific gap despite the region’s relatively high biodiversity.”
Evans’ research builds upon the 21,000 cataloged specimens representing approximately 3,500 species housed in the ATU herbarium. More than 90 percent of the collection originated in Arkansas. She will collect and photograph additional plants during field research. Evans has already documented plant species not previously recorded in Pope County and added specimens of representative plants to the ATU herbarium collection.
“I’m excited to see this project get off the ground and incredibly pleased that Aubrey has received funding to support her work,” said Sharples, ATU assistant professor of biology. “She is an excellent student, and I look forward to working with her. I especially enjoy seeing students gain experience through field research, where they can put what they’ve learned into practice and develop their own questions about the natural world.”
Evans is majoring in fisheries and wildlife science with an emphasis in fisheries. She is pursuing a minor in biology and a second bachelor’s degree in agriculture business.
“Research opportunities like this give students a chance to pursue their own questions and contribute to our understanding of the places around us,” said Dr. Mike Bradley, dean of the ATU Graduate College, which includes the ATU Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. “I’m pleased to see Aubrey earn this support and look forward to seeing what she learns through her work in Pope County.”
Evans’ long-term goal is to have a career in natural resources that will allow her to contribute to the conservation and management of ecosystems and wildlife. Her undergraduate research at Arkansas Tech has allowed her to grasp the connections that exist between aquatic and terrestrial systems.
“These opportunities have helped me grow as a scientist by strengthening my field, lab and research skills,” said Evans. “As I continue my education and gain new experiences, I hope to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts and make an impact on a variety of natural resources.”
