(Past) Plant Biotechnology Boot Camp

About Plant Biotechnology Boot Camp 

The goals of plant biotechnology boot camp are,

• To provide hands-on learning opportunities in the areas of plant biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, plant pathology, and microbiology.
• To bring interests among high school students to advance their education in the above-mentioned areas.
• To help students develop a higher appreciation for Research & Development, and interests to pursue research in the above-mentioned fields.

By participating in the Plant Biotechnology Boot Camp, you will,

• Learn basic concepts pertaining to plant biology.
• Learn basic techniques in plant biotechnology and tissue culture.
• Learn about genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• Participate in a field trip to plant genetic transformation and tissue culture facility.

Open to students entering grades 10-12. 

• Although no course work or prior experience is required, basic knowledge in plant biology at middle/high school level is preferred. Be prepared to invest time and energy as you participate in hands on learning. You are expected to work collaboratively with others.
• Participants may choose the residential option and stay in campus residence halls or the commuter option.
• Participants must be US citizens or permanent residents.

Daily Schedule

Below is a sample schedule of daily activities throughout the week.

• 7:30–9:00 a.m. Breakfast
• 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Morning workshop
• 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
• 1:30–4:30 p.m. Afternoon workshop
• 4:30–6:00 p.m. Dinner
• 6:00–8:00 p.m. Planned activities and events
• 8:00–9:30 p.m. Supervised social, game, and free time

Cost: No cost. The program is supported through National Science Foundation (NSF).

Commuter:

• Daily drop-off time between 8:30–8:50 a.m. 
• Daily pick-up time between 4:30–5:00 p.m. 
• Lunch provided.

Residential:

• Sunday (July 28^th) drop-off time between 4:30–6:30 p.m. (dinner is provided)
• Friday (August 2^nd) pick-up time between 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Supervised as resident (with roommate) in an air-conditioned residence hall on campus.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.
• Evening programming/social activities are provided.

Travel grants are available based on the needs. For details, please contact Dr. Muthu Venkateshwaran, plant biotechnology bootcamp coordinator.

If you are interested, please register here by July 22 to participate in the program.

Registration closes on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Plant Biotechnology Boot Camp is sponsored through a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded research grant to Dr. Muthu Venkateshwaran, Professor, School of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin-Platteville.