PRI Takes Center Stage at MSU’s Science Festival: A Celebration of Plant Science and Discovery
The annual MSU Science Festival is back, promising an exciting lineup of events that celebrate the wonders of science and ignite curiosity in attendees of all ages. Among the participants in this year's festival is the Plant Resilience Institute (PRI) at Michigan State University, which is set to showcase its cutting-edge research and engage the public in the fascinating world of plant science.
Come April 13 and 14, PRI will be part of the STEAM Expo Days, held at the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. Multiple PRI labs will be participating in this interactive event, providing attendees with hands-on experiences and immersive activities that delve into the intricate world of plants. Keep an eye out for the eye-catching banners from the Plant Cell Atlas showcasing emerging areas of plant science alongside portraits of brilliant Black scientists and biographies detailing their pioneering research. Also, don’t forget to request your activity passport available at all PRI booths. Participants who obtain a passport book and collect a stamp from every PRI booth will receive a prize!
One highlight is the "Exploring Plant Cells" exhibit, led by the Rhee lab, which aims to redefine our understanding of plant cells using state-of-the-art technologies through a global community called the Plant Cell Atlas. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the inner workings of plant cells through engaging activities centered around "Exploring Plant Cells."
Meanwhile, the Van Buren, Fleming, and Rhee labs will present "Life Without Water" as part of the Water and Life Interface Institute exhibit. This thought-provoking display offers insights into how plants and other organisms survive extreme water loss, shedding light on their remarkable resilience to challenging environments and adaptability to water scarcity.
Another captivating exhibit, “Why Do Bananas Smell So A-Peeling?” will investigate the metabolites responsible for the flavors and scents in fruits. This exhibit will be presented by researchers who are part of the Plant Metabolic Network, a project overseen by the Rhee lab.
For those curious about the wonders of photosynthesis, the Sharkey lab invites attendees to "See Plants Grow in Real Time!" This immersive exhibit offers a glimpse into the fascinating process of photosynthesis and its crucial role in sustaining life on Earth.
Last but not least, members of the Howe and Lundquist labs invite visitors to discover the "Wonderful World of Plants." Explore the intriguing world of plant organelles, including chloroplasts, and learn about the ingenious defense mechanisms that plants employ to thrive in diverse environments.
