In November 2025, I had the opportunity to travel to Portland, Oregon to present my master’s research at the Entomological Society of America’s Annual Meeting. This was made possible by the Louis C. and Jane Gapenski Endowment and the 1923 Fund, for which I am incredibly thankful to have received.

Due to this funding, I was able to travel across the country and present new data to other researchers, students, and professionals. In doing so, I was able to represent the University of Florida and the Florida Museum of Natural History and the incredible work that is being done here. At this meeting, I presented on the frosted elfin butterfly (Callophrys irus) and the work the Daniels Lab has been doing to better understand population dynamics within a decreasing habitat range. In doing so, I was able to meet collaborators and establish connections that will allow us to share our data and receive genetic tissue from other labs across the country.

Given that this was my fourth time presenting at this conference, and fifth overall conference, I was much more confident in my presentation skills, as well as setting up potential collaborations. This year, I was able to attend more natural history focused sessions and talks, giving me a better idea of what I might want my future goals to reflect.

Following the conference, I visited the Oregon Zoo and had the opportunity to talk to many of the keepers about the conservation efforts that are ongoing at the zoo. I was excited to  see California condors, as I had never seen them in person before, and getting to talk to the people that work directly with them revitalized my interest in conservation work as a whole.

This travel would not have been possible without the support of the FLMNH, the Louis C. and Jane Gapenski Endowment, and the 1923 Fund. Thank you to the Natural History Travel Awards Committee for considering me and my research!

Chapman Point at Cannon Beach

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus)

Taylor Pierson presenting her talk on “Creating Conservation Genomics Resources for an Imperiled Butterfly”

Taylor L Pierson is a graduate student pursuing a M.S. through the college of IFAS, School of Natural Resources and Environment, advised by Dr. Jaret Daniels, Curator and Director for the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity.

The 2025 Fall Student Travel Awards are supported by the FLMNH Department of Natural History, including funds from the Louis C. and Jane Gapenski Endowed Fellowship. If you would like to help support this fund for future student awards, please go to: