Illinois College faculty awarded prestigious gold medal for orchid research

Illinois College's international reputation for inspiring achievement and empowering students to make a difference in the world was celebrated this week as the College formally received a Gold Medal of Excellence for its award-winning orchid conservation exhibit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

While the honor was awarded at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show in London, the official medal presentation took place in Florida this week, bringing together institutional leaders and research partners to mark the achievement.

For Illinois College, the gold medal represents far more than a single exhibition honor. It reflects decades of faculty-led research that places undergraduate students at the center of discovery. Under Hitchcock Professor of Biology Lawrence Zettler's guidance, IC students have participated in cutting-edge orchid conservation research, from laboratory-based seed germination studies to international fieldwork and collaboration with leading botanical institutions. Since 2022, students have traveled to London to help present research findings at the Chelsea Flower Show, gaining rare exposure to global scientific communities while contributing directly to conservation efforts. IC faculty and students will return to the Chelsea Flower Show in May for the fifth year in a row.

This opportunity for real-world research has become a hallmark of the Illinois College experience. Students working on research projects are not only learning scientific techniques, but also building professional networks, presenting alongside experts and seeing their work contribute to addressing pressing global issues. Many alumni of the orchid research program have gone on to graduate study and research careers, carrying forward skills and confidence developed through these early opportunities.

"Presenting at the Chelsea Flower Show strengthened core skills like communication, adaptability and teamwork," Syndi Maggart '26 says, "Working on our exhibit allowed me to exchange ideas, solve problems and learn from experts. The relationships built during the trip have already led to opportunities for future collaboration and research."

The exhibit, "From Hong Kong to Australia: The Orchids of Asia and the Pacific," was developed through a longstanding partnership between Illinois College, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Naples Botanical Garden, and the University of Florida. Rare and endangered orchids across Asia and the Pacific were highlighted alongside innovative conservation research carried out by IC and partners.

On Tuesday, January 13, leaders from each collaborating institution gathered at Naples Botanical Garden, where Barbara A. Farley, president of Illinois College, and Zettler were presented with the awards.

This award underscores the strength of Illinois College's student-faculty research model and its global reach. As the College looks ahead to its bicentennial in 2029, the recognition serves as a reminder that meaningful undergraduate research rooted in mentorship, collaboration and curiosity can resonate far beyond the Hilltop.