Research Opportunity Number: CBE-07 

Project Title: Exploring and Engineering Plant-Microbe Interactions for Resilient Crops

Project Summary: Interactions at plant-microbe interfaces shape much of life on Earth. The plant microbiome—microbes in, on, and around plants—plays a crucial role in the growth, health, and productivity of crops that feed the world. We will investigate how plants and microbes interact using advanced genetic engineering and systems biology approaches. 

This project focuses on understanding how bacteria colonize plant hosts under stresses like drought and heat. By uncovering the mechanisms and genes driving these interactions, we aim to develop biotechnologies that enhance agricultural resilience and productivity.

Student Roles and Responsibilities: The student will assist with soil preparation, planting seeds, growing plants, and sampling plants. The student will perform microbial culturing and basic molecular biology techniques to support experiments. The student will record and organize observations and data and help to analyze and present these data. The student will participate in lab group meetings.

Additional Considerations: The internship will be Monday - Friday ~9am - 5pm with some flexibility as necessary to accommodate student needs (end of the school year, travel to and from campus).

Department/Institute: Chemical and Biological Engineering

Participation Dates: June 16 – August 1, 2025

Stipend Offered: $0

Number of Internships Available: 0-2        

Application Deadline: March 15, 2025, midnight Eastern Daylight Time