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Lecture: From Mountains to Molecules: Investigating Aucuba in China

Date: Thu, Oct 8, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Venue: JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh

Price: Free

Category: Classes

Graduate student Eileen Gahan will discuss her journey to China in search of wild populations of Aucuba chinensis. Gahan will share her experience collecting wild Aucuba material across its native range and highlights from the expedition and the process of documenting populations for her research. These collections provide the genetic material needed to investigate whether Aucuba omeiensis represents a distinct species from A. chinensis. Back in the lab, Gahan will outline how DNA extractions and sequencing will be used to investigate genetic diversity and relationships within the group and determine whether a distinct species of Aucuba occurs on Mount Omei.

Raleigh Mom Club — Raleigh, NC

Classes · Raleigh

Lecture: From Mountains to Molecules: Investigating Aucuba in China

“Skip this one for toddlers and bring your interested high schoolers instead.”

When
Oct 8
Thu, Oct 8, 2026
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where
JC Raulston Arboretum
Raleigh, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
Free
jcraulstonfree

Lecture: From Mountains to Molecules: Investigating Aucuba in China is an evening presentation by researcher Eileen Gahan detailing her botanical expedition to document wild plant populations. What to Know: This indoor lecture is best suited for adults and high school students interested in biology or gardening. Admission is free, and registration is not required to attend. The arboretum offers free parking in the paved lot at the main entrance, and you should plan to arrive ten minutes early to secure a seat in the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center. This event makes a great addition to your calendar if you want to encourage a high schooler's interest in STEM careers. It offers a real-world look at how field biology connects to laboratory genetics, right here in Raleigh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend this botanical lecture?
No, this presentation is completely free and open to the public.
What age group is this presentation best for?
The scientific content is geared toward adults, college students, and interested teenagers.
Where do I park at the JC Raulston Arboretum?
Free parking is available in the main lot directly outside the education center.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 8

Directions

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Lecture: From Mountains to Molecules: Investigating Aucuba in China runs Thu, Oct 8, 2026, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM.

Getting There

JC Raulston Arboretum is at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, Raleigh, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at JC Raulston Arboretum →

What to Bring

Nothing but the kids — this one's free, with no tickets to buy.

Classes Guides

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