Recent News & Events ___

11.08.04 :: The PGSRP online application will be available December 1, 2004

11.04.04 :: Welcome to the new Plant Genomics Summer Research Program homepage!

Archive ...

The Program Defined ___

The UW-Madison PGSRP (PG: 'Plant Genomics', SRP: 'Summer Research Program') is a nine-week intensive research program beginning the first week of June in selected research laboratories on the UW Madison campus. The program is open to undergraduates of any college or university who meet the minimum enrollment requirements and want a hands-on laboratory research experience in plant genomics.

:: The UW PGSRP has several objectives:

Provide the undergraduate students with a hands-on, complete research project in plant genomics,

Introduce the undergrads to the daily operations of a plant genomics research laboratory,

Introduce them to plant genomics faculty, staff, and graduate students,

Provide them with a deeper understanding of a specific research area, as well as a better understanding of the general area of plant genomics research,

Provide them with information and guidance on graduate studies and career options in the field of plant genomics.

:: Undergrad participants are assigned a graduate or post-graduate mentor who will:

Help them to determine a specific research topic to examine,

Help them to explore the relevant literature for their research topic,

Help them to understand the background information necessary to perform their research,

Assist them with developing and writing a research proposal,

Provide them with the tools and skills needed to successfully carry out and complete the research project,

Help them to analyze and interpret their results,

Assist them with composing and editing their final papers and presentations.

:: In addition to their individual laboratory research project, PGSRP students participate in other activities, such as:

Training in general lab safety and radioactive material handling protocol,

Weekly discussions of current plant genomic topics of interest and career choice,

Social activities such as a welcome lunch and potluck cookout,

Attending field trips to a local biotech company and the West Madison Agricultural Research Station, where they were able to experience plant genomics research in an outdoor setting,

Submission and presentation of research proposal,

Submission of final research paper,

PowerPoint presentations of their research at a symposium,

Scientific Writing & the Research Proposal Workshop,

Graduate Fair,

Graduate School Forum,

Career Opportunities in Biological Sciences Research Panel Discussion,

PowerPoint for Science Presentations Workshop,

In addition, PGSRP participants have full access to all UW facilities, including libraries, recreational facilities, and the student unions.