News

Illinois College orchid research thrives with new book, global collaborations

2.17.2025

A story about Illinois College faculty publishing a book on his orchid research was featured in an article in the Jacksonville Journal-Courier on February 15, 2025.

To read the full story written by Angela Bauer, visit myjournalcourier.com

Orchids can be notoriously challenging to grow, but research on the plant at Illinois College continues to bloom on several fronts, from a professor’s published book to a return visit to one of the world’s top flower shows to collaborative research with scientists at a British botanic garden.

Dr. Lawrence W. Zettler, IC’s Hitchcock Professor of Biology, and co-author Philip Seaton have released the book “Saving Orchids: Stories of Species Survival in a Changing World.”

Seaton is a retired biology lecturer who previously managed a global orchid seed-banking network for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England. He also has written and illustrated several books on orchids and orchid cultivation.

“He has another decade more experience than I have in world travel looking at orchids and trying to perfect them,” Zettler said of Seaton.

Zettler, along with teaching biology at IC, is a research associate at Chicago Botanic Garden and has his own prolific history of published peer-reviewed scientific publications.

“Saving Orchids” is a collection of stories about orchid conservation. While it is rooted in science, it is designed to be approachable, Zettler said.

To read the full story written by Angela Bauer, visit the website.

About Illinois College

Illinois College has believed in the power of opportunity for nearly 200 years. Today, more than 1,000 students come to our vibrant campus in Jacksonville, Illinois, to find their people, their passions, and their path forward. Whether exploring over 80 academic programs, competing in athletics, or interning worldwide, IC students live fully and Graduate READY to make a difference in the world. That’s why Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society, chose Illinois College as one of only a few schools in the state. 

Visit www.ic.edu for more information.

Media Contact Information
Emily Titsworth '19, Writer
Office of Marketing and Communication
217.245.3219 | emily.titsworth@ic.edu