# Enhancing storage capacity, organization, and online data availability for the BYU herbarium

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Brigham Young University (UT) · $397,600

## Abstract

An award is made to Brigham Young University (BYU) to enable modernized long-term preservation of over 530,000 herbarium specimens, including digital imaging and baseline recording of specimen data for 225,000 specimens not yet databased. Digitized specimen data produced through this project will be searchable and available via the internet to land managers and agency personnel, which will enhance sound management policies based on species distribution data. These data will also be searchable by the public, enabling opportunities for exploring nature and species diversity of the intermountain west by anyone. This project will involve training and leadership opportunities for one graduate student and many undergraduate students in a mentored-learning environment that emphasizes curatorial practices and various uses of specimen-based data. Student expertise will contribute to an expansive public Tree of Life exhibit being developed by the museum that highlights critical but often overlooked aspects and impacts of species diversity on everyday life.

The Brigham Young University Herbarium is the largest herbarium in the intermountain west in size, species representation, and geographic breadth. This project will provide cabinetry and installation onto a compact storage system already installed by the university. The new storage system will preserve the value of existing specimens, by eliminating overcrowding that can lead to specimen damage, and will also provide space for fut

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2448892
- **Awardee organization:** Brigham Young University (UT)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JWSYC7RUMJD1
- **PI:** Leigh A Johnson
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH COLLECTION
- **Estimated total:** $397,600
- **Funds obligated:** $397,600
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2448892

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2448892, Enhancing storage capacity, organization, and online data availability for the BYU herbarium. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2448892. Licensed CC0.

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