Cultivating the Next Generation of Scientists: BTI’s Summer Research Experience

This summer, the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) welcomed 34 undergraduate students and three high school students, offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the life of a researcher.

Now in its 25th year, BTI’s National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded Research Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU) continue to train and inspire the next generation of scientists. The program equips students to advance plant science and apply that knowledge for the greater good. Eight participants were funded by and worked on projects through the NSF-funded Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS), which integrates plant science, engineering, and computer science to improve crop productivity and the sustainability of agricultural practices. Three participants also joined us from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, Colombia through funding from the Cane-Bridge Foundation.

Throughout the 10 week program, students gained hands-on experience in BTI and Cornell University labs, while participating in seminars and workshops on plant biology, engineering, bioinformatics, and science communication.

A dedicated mentor is paired with each REU student, guiding them in designing and executing an independent research project. These projects, which combined students’ curiosity with lab objectives, culminated in formal presentations at the annual George and Helen Kohut Symposium.

For many, this was their first immersive research experience. Beyond developing technical skills, students built professional networks, attended weekly faculty seminars, completed a five-week bioinformatics course, and engaged in science communication through outreach opportunities with our community partners including the Ithaca Farmers Market, OCM BOCES, and the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County. They also enjoyed weekends exploring Ithaca, the Finger Lakes region, and beyond.

The summer concluded with the annual George and Helen Kohut Symposium, an event where students showcased their research through poster and oral presentations, providing a professional platform to share their work while the community gathered to celebrate their accomplishments.  We invite you to watch the presentations and be inspired by the work of these young scientists.

BTI was proud to welcome the following students this summer: