Plant Biotechnology Boot Camp
Join the Plant Biotechnology Boot Camp and explore the exciting world of plant science through hands-on labs, field trips, and real research activities. This program introduces you to plant genetics, biotechnology, microbiology, and more.
Whether you're curious about genetically modified organisms or want to try real lab techniques, this is your chance to learn, explore, and get inspired by science!
About Plant Biotechnology Boot Camp
The goals 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.
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 must be US citizens or permanent residents.
- Due to limited seats, preferences will be given to new participants.
Camp begins Sunday, July 6 with drops between 2–4 p.m. and ends Friday, July 11 with pick-up between 5–6 p.m.
Daily Schedule
This is a residential boot camp. Below is a sample schedule of daily activities throughout the week.
- 7:30–9 a.m. Breakfast
- 9 a.m.–Noon Morning workshop
- Noon–1:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1:30–4:30 p.m. Afternoon workshop
- 4:30–6 p.m. Dinner
- 6–8 p.m. Planned activities and events
- 8–9:30 p.m. Supervised social, game, and free time
Cost: No cost. The program is supported through National Science Foundation (NSF).
Registration
Residential and Commuter options are available.
Commuter
- Daily drop-off time between 8:30–8:50 a.m.
- Daily pick-up time between 4:30–5:00 p.m.
- Lunch is provided. [Breakfast and Dinner will be included based on participants’ preference]
Residential
- Student participants are supervised as residents (with a roommate) in an airconditioned residence hall on campus.
- Sunday (July 6th) drop-off time between 2:00–4:00 p.m. (dinner is provided)
- Friday (July 11th) pick-up time between 5:00-6:00 p.m. (dinner is provided)
- Two UW-Platteville Undergraduate Students will serve as Camp Counselors and accompany the student participants throughout the duration of the boot camp.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.
- Evening programming/social activities are included.
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 June 30 to participate in the program.
Registration closes on Monday, June 30, 2025.
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.
To request disability accommodations, contact Dr. Muthu Venkateshwaran at 608.342.1898 or venkateshwam@uwplatt.edu.