About the Program in Molecular Plant Biology
The Program in Molecular Plant Biology (PMPB) at Colorado State University is an interdepartmental program formed with the goal to train and produce the next generation of world-class plant biologists. These are exciting times to study plant biology. With the complete genome sequencing of several photosynthetic organisms and many more on the way to completion, a new era of plant biology has started with tremendous opportunities to study many unique aspects of plant biology and for innovative use of this knowledge for applied purposes. To avail these opportunities we need a new breed of plant biologists capable of working in a highly interdisciplinary environment. The PMPB is designed for highly motivated students seeking a Ph.D in Molecular Plant Biology.
The PMPB has over twenty faculty members from four departments in two different colleges (College of Agricultural Science and College of Natural Sciences). Researchers in the PMPB investigate fundamental and applied questions in plant biology using molecular approaches. Together, they have the expertise and a strong reputation in all areas of molecular plant biology. The participating faculty members are highly interactive and have research programs funded by various federal, state and international agencies. The questions asked cover the entire field of experimental plant biology including developmental biology, plant pathology, stress physiology, rhizosphere biology, phytoremediation, photosynthesis, transport and evolution. In addition to fundamental research, several research groups are engaged in research that may lead to the development of plants with useful new traits in crop plants. The PMPB offers research and training opportunities in all areas of molecular plant biology including genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular systematics, synthetic biology, and molecular and whole plant physiology. Genomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches are integrated in these research programs. Colorado State University is located at the foot of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, in the town of Fort Collins, which enjoys one of the best climates in the USA and is a perennial in the top 10 best places to live. Geographically and scientifically PMPB is in the perfect environment for exciting research in plant biology.
All students in the program are required to rotate through three laboratories prior to choosing a home lab. These rotations will broaden the training and help students to make informed decision regarding the laboratory and the area of research. At the end of the first year, students select their advisors from any of four departments in two colleges. During the first year, students in the program are offered a research assistantship, tuition and other benefits. To provide teaching experience, a number of teaching assistantships are offered through different departments. Students in the PMPB will benefit from the highly active and interactive group of plant faculty and the state-of-the art facilities to conduct cutting-edge science in molecular plant biology.
To learn more about the PMPB program at Colorado State University or apply to this program please visit our web site http://www.plantbiology.colostate.edu/Admissions.
