Undergraduate Research in the Plant Center
Plant Center faculty are committed to training the next generation of scientific researchers.
Plant Center faculty have been very successful in undergraduate training, with hundreds of examples of students who have worked in member labs as a stepping stone to prepare the for graduate school or a career in a biomedical field. There are also countless examples of students who began with an interest in medicine only to change their minds and go on to become successful plant scientists. Visit our member page to find faculty research areas that align with your interests. Current UGA undergrads should contact faculty directly to find out if they can provide research opportunities for you in their labs.
Summer Internships in Plant Genetics
Are you an undergraduate interested in plant biology, crop genomics, feeding the future and improving fibers, fuels, or forest materials? The Crop Genetics and Genomics Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates (REEU) is a paid summer internship where fellows get hands-on research experience in the plant sciences. Students both in and outside UGA are encouraged to apply.
Program description
Fellows spend 9 weeks over the summer getting hands-on lab and field research experiences in a Plant Center lab, with a focus on crop genetics and genomics. Fellows also take part in several field trips (local farms, a farmer’s market, etc.) to learn firsthand how genetic and genomics research is used to improve crop varieties. In addition, Fellows will participate in a service-learning project to develop an understanding of the connection between research, extension and crop production. (Writeups of previous years’ experiences can be found here.) Professional development opportunities around career options, research ethics, networking, and science and public communication are also part of the program. Our primary mission is to develop plant scientists that can address the challenges facing US agricultural competitiveness and food production.
All students are supported with a $6,000 stipend. The program also covers dorm rooms for all students, typical travel expenses to & from the program, and a meal allowance.
Potential faculty mentors and example research projects
Eligibility
- US citizenship or permanent resident (required)
- Currently finishing your first or second year of college courses (sophomore or junior standing by summer) (preferred)
- Must be available for the full 9 weeks from May 26 to July 24, 2026
- Demonstrated interest in agrisciences or majoring in biology, plant biology, genetics, horticulture, microbiology, life sciences, or agricultural sciences
Testimonials
“The connections and the experiences that I have gained from Dr. Parrott’s and Dr. Missaoui’s labs have helped me become a better informed and more driven in my goals” – Tate Hutwagner
“This program set me up with valuable research skills and connections to industry researchers that became wonderful mentors for me in the years to follow my time as a REEU fellow.” – Douglas Vines; Borlaug Scholar
Read students’ write-ups of their service-learning projects at local farmers’ markets here. (The top article each year is published in Athens-Clarke County’s monthly Shades of Green extension newsletter.)
Contact Information
- Dr. Jason Wallace (Director): jason.wallace@uga.edu, 706-542-9696
- Dr. Brian Kvitko (Co-Direcotr): bkvitko@uga.edu, 706-542-1282