Internships
Program Description
Research Areas
Application
Prior Programs Program Contacts

The Danforth Center is a highly collaborative institution and interns find an interactive and supportive atmosphere. Our goal is to give each student positive insight into the research environment, as well as to teach valuable research skills. We facilitate connections among interns and their scientific colleagues through discussion forums, informal lunches, social gatherings, and through the Center's daily "tea time".

• gain hands-on experience in the lab and learn the use of a variety of technologies for research
  
  
• attend workshops in the Center's state-of-the-art support facilities, including the Integrated Microscopy Facility, the Mass Spectrometry and Bioseparations Facility, and the Plant Cell Culture and Transformation Facility.
  
  
• participate in career pathway discussions with experienced researchers and take field trips to local universities and industries with plant or life science focuses.
  
  
• attend weekly seminars on issues related to biotechnology. These discussions are planned to give students insight into the social, political, and economic implications of current research--and to allow them to voice their opinions, as well.



• At the end of the summer session, each intern will present a summary of his/her research in the Center's Southwestern Bell auditorium before an audience of scientific peers. A brief written report is also required and students will be carefully guided through the process of preparation of the written report and oral presentation. The presentation and report are a vital part of the education of young scientists

• work at least 40 hours per week during this time except for the Independence Day holiday. No vacations will be permitted during the 11-week program.
  
  
• be present for the full eleven week period.
  
  
• turn in a research paper at the end of the program.
  
  
• be present at the all-day symposium on the final day of the program and make a 15 minute presentation.
  

• must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associates degree. Students who are transferring from one institution to another and are enrolled at neither institution during the intervening summer may participate. High school graduates who have not yet enrolled are not eligible. Students who have received their bachelor's degrees (or will receive a degree before the program dates) and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible for the REU program.

• must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.*

• should be majoring in a plant or life science field and have relevant coursework. Prior research experience is not required.

• must be able to work at least 40 hours per week for the entire eleven week term.

• Students who have already participated in the program are not eligible to reapply.  Those students are encouraged to work with their previous mentors regarding rehiring.

*due to grant restrictions, we are unable to fund interns who are not citizens or permanent residents.