REU Site in Plant Science at the Danforth Center

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis MO

Investigators

Abstract

The REU program at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center provides an opportunity for undergraduates to obtain significant research experience in the areas of plant and life sciences. Students conduct a research project under the guidance of senior scientists at the Danforth Center, an independent non-profit private research institute located in Saint Louis, Missouri and dedicated to fundamental research in plant science leading to discoveries for the benefit of human health and nutrition and agricultural sustainability. Students in all life science fields, not just those interested in plant science, can benefit from the program. The REU program exposes students to a rich research environment due to the wide range of expertise present, including cell biology, molecular biology, structural biology, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, computational biology, bioinformatics, developmental biology, genetics, genomics, nematology, and plant pathology. During the 11-week summer program, the student will design and conduct a laboratory research project in collaboration with a faculty mentor, present findings in a final symposium, and prepare a written report summarizing the research. The research component is supplemented with additional educational activities, including workshops in proteomics, microscopy, and tissue culture and transformation. Weekly meetings feature guest speakers and discussions covering topics that include guidance in written and oral reports, career options, ethics in science, and the impact of and controversies surrounding agricultural biotechnology. More information and application materials are available at http://www.danforthcenter.org/internship, or by contacting Dr. Mark P. Running at mrunning@danforthcenter.org, tel. 314 587-1641.