Education & Training
The Plant Resilience Institute offers a vibrant research environment, with faculty members engaged in a wide range of interdisciplinary education and training activities. Affiliated with several colleges, departments, programs, and institutes on campus, PRI provides a diverse and collaborative community for researchers working in its laboratories.
Affiliated Colleges & Departments
PRI members come from multiple colleges and departments aross Michigan State University, including:
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- College of Natural Science
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Department of Entomology
- Department of Forestry
- Department of Horticulture
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology
- Department of Plant Biology
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences
Graduate Programs
Prospective graduate students interested in joining PRI are encouraged to apply through the Molecular Plant Sciences (MPS) graduate program or the BioMolecular Science Gateway, specifying their interest in being considered by PRI and indicating any faculty members whose research aligns with their interests. It is also recommended to reach out to core PRI faculty to inquire about potential openings in their labs, as not all faculty members accept students every year.
Additionally, applicants referred by affiliated degree-granting departments and programs are also considered. Learn more about plant science at Michigan State University here.
Fellowships
Graduate students in PRI are fully funded, but several do also apply for outside support. Award of a fellowship in recognition of outstanding performance can be an attractive addition to a resume, and in some cases the stipend may be slightly larger. Fellowship opportunities may be found at the Graduate School Funding website.
Training Next-Gen Plant Scientists
Michigan State University has one of the highest concentrations of plant scientists in the world with over 200 plant science faculty. Through a 5,200-acre campus outfitted with research laboratories, greenhouses, and trial farms, as well as 15 outlying agricultural research centers throughout Michigan, MSU fosters an environment where collaboration and innovation are second nature. Learn more about the plant science training opportunities available at MSU here.
Professional Development Events
PRI holds regular seminars and workshops focued on the professional development of trainees. These events foster engaging discussions on essential topics such as responsible conduct of research, career preparation, writing skills, and more. Visit our events page for more information.
