LAKELAND, Fla. (July 22, 2005) — The Florida State Horticultural Society (FSHS) selected a paper co-authored by Florida Southern biology professor Dr. Nancy Morvillo, 2004 graduate Mary Caroniti, and senior biology major Angela Lewis as the best and most meritorious paper in the Ornamentals Section from the 2004 Proceedings. The award was presented at the FSHS annual meeting held in June.

The article, “Investigating the Identity of Rose Varieties Utilizing Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Analysis,” details the results of a 2003 summer research project. This project explored the genetics of roses grown on the FSC campus and helped to clarify relationships among different rose varieties.

Caroniti, of Bradenton, Fla., and Lewis, daughter of Garrett and Cynthia Lewis of Fort White, Fla., had presented their work previously at a symposium on campus, the 2003 annual meeting of the Heritage Rose Foundation, the 2004 FSHS meeting, and the 2004 regional Beta Beta Beta biology honorary society. “The publication by undergraduates as well as this award is quite an unusual accomplishment and one which truly highlights the talents of our students,” said Morvillo.

About Florida Southern College

Founded in 1885, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive, United Methodist college with a liberal arts core. The college maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 38 undergraduate majors and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student/faculty ratio, provides strong student/faculty mentorship programs, boasts 25 NCAA Division II national championships, and is ranked by U. S. News and World Report as one of the top ten Southern Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelors. Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is the home of the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.