Graduate Training at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

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What is the Danforth Plant Science Center?
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a non-profit research institute with a mission to improve human health and welfare through plant science. It is the largest non-profit plant science research center in the world. The Center has around 150 staff organized around 20 independent research laboratories headed by Faculty PIs who conduct externally funded research programs in all areas of plant science.

Where is the Danforth Plant Science Center?
The Danforth Plant Science Center is located at the intersection of Olive Blvd. and Warson Rd. ~6 miles west of Washington University. It takes approximately 12 minutes to reach the Danforth Plant Science Center by car from Washington University. Public bus service from the Delmar Loop area to Danforth Center takes around 25 minutes.

How is the Danforth Plant Science Center affiliated with Washington University?
The Danforth Plant Science Center is an independent research institute, but many Danforth Plant Science Center Faculty have joint appointments at Washington University and participate in Washington University graduate programs, including the Plant Biology Graduate Program. Rotating in a Danforth Plant Science Center laboratory is a great way to learn about the Center and experience its unique environment first hand.

If I join a Danforth Plant Science Center Laboratory, where will my PhD come from?
Your Ph.D. will be awarded by Washington University.

Are there currently students at the Danforth Plant Science Center?
Yes. There are currently 15 graduate students at the Danforth Plant Science Center from several institutions including Washington University.

What types of research facilities are available at the Danforth Plant Science Center?
The Danforth Plant Science Center has state-of-the-art shared facilities and scientific cores. These include four green houses, 49 Conviron growth chambers, a 1000 sq ft. Tissue Culture Core for plant transformation, a Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Core, an Integrated Microscopy Core and a Bioinformatics Core.

How does the Danforth Plant Science Center support graduate education?
The open laboratory architecture and scientific culture at the Danforth Plant Science Center promote sharing and scientific collaboration at all levels. Students are encouraged to participate in a self-organized group called the Committee for Scientific Training and Mentoring (CSTM) that represents and supports the students, postdoctoral fellows and technical staff. All DDPSC trainees participate in a Center-wide weekly research seminar where they present their work and receive constructive feedback. Additional opportunities such as retreats and seminars allow students to interact informally with DDPSC staff, faculty and visiting scientists. Social activities throughout the year provide a lively environment for entertainment and exchange at all levels.