Since 2003, undergraduate students from across the country have been coming to the Boyce Thompson Institute and Cornell University to participate in our 10-week summer internship program. Select local (Tompkins County) High School students also participate in a similar internship program for 6 weeks. The internship program involves students in laboratory-based Plant Genome Research Projects (PGRP). By participating in PGRP summer internships, students gain a broader knowledge of plant genetics, take away a better understanding of genuine scientific research and connect with others that are interested in careers in science and research. Students in the internship program will have the opportunity to:

• Work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and scientists to investigate current topics in plant science
• Join a participating lab according to preference and availability
• Be mentored by a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow
• Learn the latest in molecular biology techniques
• Participate in fieldwork, depending on the lab
• Work on a supervised independent project within the framework of the mentor’s research program
• Attend lab meetings, read and discuss recent literature related to their project
• Attend a weekly plant science seminar with scientists from BTI, Cornell and the
  USDA

Be part of an exciting research project in the summer of 2013. The project is a large international effort to decipher the tomato genome. You can learn more about the project by visiting the SOL Genomics Network (SGN; http://solgenomics.net) and clicking on the link for the International Tomato Project.

Students will work under the direction of a small team of bioinformaticians. We are seeking highly motivated individuals with strong interests in computers and/or biology to work on computational projects such as web-programming of new tools for plant scientists and designing and implementing relational databases for genomics applications. Knowledge of programming is desired.

Compensation is provided through a stipend. In addition, a predetermined amount of funds is available towards travel expenses and to cover housing for students outside the Ithaca, NY area.

Graduate students are not eligible for this internship.
For additional information, contact Dr. Joyce Van Eck by e-mail (jv27@cornell.edu) or phone (607-220-9532).

National Bioenergy and Bioproducts Professional Development Program for Educators

(NBB) offers summer internships for students interested in gaining cross-disciplinary experience in scientific research and science education. The NBB intern will gain first hand experience in basic plant biology research and guidance in translating basic research to the public via education and communication training. This is a great opportunity to gain research and education experience and help bridge research and outreach to better protect the environment, improve agriculture and advance human health.

What?

An NBB internship supports you in learning and professional development. Through lab training, workshops, seminars and outreach activities the intern will learn about:

• Bioenergy
• Bioproducts
• Environmental Sustainability
• Policy
• Plant Research- Grasses, Woody Biomass, Algae
• Economic Development
• Science Education and Communication

Interns work full time for 10 weeks and are supported with a $4,500 stipend, for meal allowance, travel assistance and housing.

How?

The Science Education Intern will…

• Work closely with scientists, educators and graduate students
• Work on a supervised independent research and outreach project within the framework of their mentor’s programs
• Design an educational activity or resource based on their research project
• Attend a weekly plant science seminar with scientists from BTI, Cornell and the USDA
• Present research to a diverse group of fellow students, scientists, and mentors at a Student Symposium

When?

Information and applications for the 2014 internship program will be available in October.

Who?

Undergraduates, Graduate Students, Postdocs, Classroom Teachers and Educators may apply. However, the NBB intern must be either US citizens or permanent US residents (green card holder).