Skip to main content
MENU

Environmental Horticulture Graduate Program

Environmental Horticulture Graduate Program

Amber Gardner / PhD Student

I graduated from UF with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in 2008. Soon after, I gained employment with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Upland Habitat Research and Monitoring Program where I worked for nearly seven years. During this time, I developed a passion for plant conservation, so I returned to UF and completed my Master of Science degree in Environmental Horticulture in 2017. During that time, I investigated the seed biology of Harperocallis flava, a federally endangered species. I am now beginning a Ph.D. program where I will continue my research with H. flava. My research interests are centered around using seed biology and micropropagation for native plant conservation and restoration.

Adviser: Dr. Hector Perez

Amber Gardner CV

  • EDUCATION
    • University of Florida B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation 2008
    • University of Florida M.S. Horticultural Sciences- Environmental Horticulture 2017
  • RECENT SERVICES AND HONORS

    • Graduate School Funding Award 2017-2021

    • William C. and Bertha M. Cornett Fellowship 2017-2018

    • Graduated Summa cum laude, UF 2008

    • University Scholars Award Recipient, UF 2007

    • Treasurer, UF Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society, 2007-2008
  • RESEARCH

    My current research focuses on the seed biology and germination ecology of Harperocallis flava, a federally endangered species that is endemic to the central panhandle of Florida. By employing both lab and field based approaches, I will investigate embryo development, germination timing, seed persistence in the soil, and the use of micropropagation in the conservation of this rare species. 

  • TEACHING

    Assisted in the development of the Seed Biology course HOS 6932

  • PUBLICATIONS
    • Gardner, A.G., and K.A. Williges. 2015. Praxelis clematidea (Asteraceae): A New Plant Invader of Florida. Southeastern Naturalist. 14(1):N21-N27.
    • Freeman, J.E., K. Williges, A.G. Gardner and E.H. Leone. In Press. Plant functional group composition on restored longleaf pine – wiregrass (Pinus palustris – Aristida stricta) savannas with a history of intensive agriculture. Natural Areas Journal.