BTI Welcomes 2024 Undergraduate and High School Student Researchers

Throughout the summer, student researchers will develop valuable research skills in the BTI and Cornell University labs. They will participate in seminars and workshops led by experts in plant science, biological engineering, bioinformatics, and science communication. Recognizing the importance of collaboration in modern science, each REU student will be paired with a mentor in their research lab. These mentors will guide the students in designing an independent project that leverages their curiosity and drive while contributing to the lab’s research objectives. This project will be the primary focus for the students, culminating in their end-of-summer presentation at the annual George and Helen Kohut Symposium.

Eight of the REU students will be in labs that are part of the NSF funded Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS), which aims to integrate plant sciences, engineering and computer science to improve crops and the sustainability of agricultural management practices. 

For many of the students, this is their first immersive research experience outside their university. Learning the fundamentals of lab life from their mentors and developing their professional networks will be a crucial experience to begin their research careers.

When research REU students aren’t working on their projects, they will attend weekly seminars by BTI and Cornell faculty, participate in a five-week Bioinformatics course, and engage with faculty, graduate students, and communications and scientific professionals. Throughout the summer, they will have a chance to engage with the local public during their science communication program and explore the beautiful Ithaca region on the weekends.