Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Most plant research at UGA is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF).  NSF, UGA, and many other research programs are strongly engaged in training the next generation of scientists.  NSF helps provide the funding and UGA helps fill the training gap.

High demand for undergraduate research experience at UGA.  UGA Biology undergraduates are truly exceptional and often looking for laboratory experience – generally with a long-term goal of going to medical school.  Plant biologists are more than happy to help.  Most students don’t appreciate that the day-to-day work in a plant lab is almost identical to the work in an ‘animal’ lab, and that we will help you towards your career goals no matter what they are.

We are very successful in undergraduate training.  There are hundreds of examples of students who have worked in plant labs as a stepping stone towards a career in medicine, and who are now in Medical schools or are practicing doctors.  There are also countless examples of students who began with an interest in medicine and changed their minds to become plant biologists.

How to find a lab to work in.  Most of our undergraduate research occurs under the BIOL/PBIO/GENE4960 course umbrella, where students work in an active lab on an independent project.  However, many labs also have funding to support undergraduate training through hourly (paid) avenues, as well as full-time summer employment.  Most summer opportunities are directed towards underrepresented minorities, and can be applied for through LSAMP program on campus (http://www.pslsamp.uga.edu/homepage.html).  By mentioning plant biology in your applications, you will be directed to a plant biology lab.