Program Overview
The Program in Plant Biology trains master’s and doctoral students whose research interests are focused on the study of plants. Reflecting its interdisciplinary nature and the diverse interests and expertise of the faculty, the program offers areas of concentration in research in: Cell Biology and Developmental Biology- including Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Cell Wall Biology, Cytoskeleton, Metabolic Engineering and Physiology; Evolution and Ecology - including Agricultural Ecology, Community Ecology, Evolutionary Development, Sustainability and Bioeconomy; Genomics and Genetics- including Biofuels, Bioinformatics, Epigenetics, Evolutionary Development, Plant Breeding, Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology; and Plant Environment interactions- including Abiotic Interactions, Plant Pathology, Plant-pollinator/herbivore Dynamics; Pest Management and Stress Physiology. Within these topic areas the research goals can be either theoretically or practically oriented. Participating faculty are members of the following departments and schools: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, Environmental Conservation, and Stockbridge School of Agriculture; as well as Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst Colleges. |