Frequently Asked Questions

What are the some of the highlights of the PGRP Internship Program?

• Cutting-edge research: Plant genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, systems biology and more
• Laboratory training: Mentorship by top researchers in the field
• Independent research projects: Conduct an independent research project in a lab matched to your interests
• Diverse environment: Interns, graduate students and researchers from around the country and world
• Weekly seminars: World-class speakers and career development workshops
• Student Summer Symposium: Share the results of your summer research projects in the annual "PGRP Student Symposium"
• Competitive stipend: Plus travel support and housing in beautiful Ithaca, NY

What areas of research are available to me through this internship?

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Plant-insect interactions
• Plant disease and defense
• Environmental Stress Response
• Genetics of fruit ripening
• Genetics and Development
• Stem Cells
• Plant-Fungi Nutrient Exchange
• Plant Cell Walls and Cellulosic Biofuels

• Water use efficiency
• Light signaling pathways
• Bioinformatics
• Nutrient accumulation
• Nucleus-organelle interactions
• Breeding for crop improvement
• Heavy metal accumulation
• Transposon tagging
• Epigenetics
• And more!

What will my schedule look like?

Undergraduate interns begin June 7, 2010 and depart 10 weeks later on August 13, 2010. High School interns begin July 6, 2009 and depart six weeks later on August 13, 2010. All interns are expected to devote 40 hours per week to their projects, participate in all program seminars and meetings and present their research in the annual “PGRP Student Symposium.”

How will I be compensated?

Undergraduates receive a competitive stipend, meal allowance, travel assistance and group housing near the Cornell campus. PGRP Undergraduate Internships are funded by the National Science Foundation, (Research Experiences for Undergraduates, REU Award #0453331).

High School interns are supported by the generosity of local donors. High School interns receive stipends, but are not provided housing, travel or meal allowances.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

All interns must be US citizens or Permanent Residents with valid green cards. Undergraduates must be enrolled in a college or university and in good academic standing. Graduating undergraduate seniors are not eligible.

Local, junior and senior high school students with strong science backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Please note: If you are a high school senior who will be enrolled in a college/university for the Fall, please apply to the Undergraduate PGRP Internship Program. For the undergraduate internship, you must be 18 at time of internship.

What does the PGRP application committee look for when selecting interns?

The Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) seeks students for summer internships who are genuinely interested in learning to conducting plant biology research. Ideal students are enthusiastic, highly motivated to continue learning throughout the summer and capable of working with others. We do not necessarily require the highest grades, but we look for students who will take full advantage of and benefit from an intensive research-based learning opportunity.

How do I apply?

Register for access to the online application. Complete and submit an online application. Request two Letters of Recommendation from people that know your academic potential. Send your official transcripts the Education and Outreach Coordinator.

Please direct all other questions to:

• Tiffany Fleming
  Education and Outreach Coordinator
  Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research
  Cornell University
  Tower Road
  Ithaca, NY 14853
  Email: pgrp-outreach@cornell.edu
  Phone: 607-279-0531.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2010. Late materials will not be reviewed