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Students' research papers to be published

LAKELAND, Fla. (June 12, 2002) - Florida Southern senior Amanda Wagner and 2002 graduate Carmella Fredrick presented research papers at the recent Florida State Horticultural Society annual meeting. Wagner was awarded second place overall for her paper, and both students' works will be published in the society's journal.

Wagner, a biology major, is the daughter of Ken and Melanie Wagner of Leesburg, Fla. Fredrick, who earned her bachelor's degree in biology; is the daughter of James and Deborah Fredrick of Osprey, Fla.

The students' projects were part of a 2001 summer research fellowship funded by the Jesse Ball duPont Foundation. Wagner and Fredrick worked with FSC biology professor Dr. Nancy Morvillo on the genetic relatedness of roses growing on the campus. Their research spawned a new project - examining what causes some roses to double their petals. The group is continuing research on this topic, which could lead to a major paper and have a significant impact in the field of plant genetics. Morvillo was pleased with the progress made during the summer program, saying, "My students were top notch - dedicated, responsible, enthusiastic, and thorough. They were responsible for the success of the research."

About Florida Southern College
Florida Southern is a four-year, private, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and a master of business administration degree accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Located in Lakeland, Fla., the college is home to the largest, single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.

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