Overview of the Plant Biology Program


Plant Biology

The Plant Biology Program at Washington University has enjoyed a rich history of making important contributions to the plant sciences. Faculty members, post doctoral associates and students have made key discoveries in areas that range from ethnobotany and ethnomedicine to molecular genetics, metabolic biochemistry, hormone and sensory physiology, bioenergetics, molecular evolution and biotechnology. Our faculty's research is dedicated to the philosophy that novel solutions to practical problems come from understanding fundamental biological questions. The development of methods for the transfer of foreign genes into crop plants, the basis for the rapidly expanding plant biotechnology industry, is one practical result of basic studies carried out at Washington University. Discovery of new pharmaceuticals in plants used as medicines by indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin is another example.

Emphasizing features that are unique to plants, researchers in the Plant Biology Program often use plants to study biological problems common to all eukaryotes. For instance, current research programs include efforts to understand how genes are activated or repressed, how membrane-associated protein complexes essential for photosynthesis and electron transport are assembled, how bacterial pathogens infect plants and how plants defend themselves against such infections, and how plant growth, differentiation, and structure respond to physical and biological stresses. Several laboratories are engaged in studies that may lead to the engineering of useful new traits in crop plants, sometimes in collaboration with industry partners. Other laboratories focus on field research, systematics and analysis of natural plant products, areas in which we enjoy close and longstanding ties with the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The graduate program in plant biology is limited to students seeking a Ph.D. degree. In general, graduate students take courses and rotate through three laboratories during their first year. Research rotations allow students to become acquainted with current research in those areas that interest them most, allowing them to make an informed decision regarding the laboratory in which to complete their Ph.D. thesis research. Rotations can also be arranged in cooperating laboratories at Monsanto. To gain teaching experience, students serve as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate course during the second year. Elective courses and preliminary examinations are also usually completed during the second year. Students then develop a thesis proposal and devote their efforts almost entirely to research, with participation in journal clubs and several seminar series providing ample opportunity for continuous educational experiences. Courses and seminars are available to students at both the Hilltop and medical campuses which are linked by a convenient shuttle service running between the campuses several times every hour.

The Faculty

Approximately 20 scientists are affiliated with the Plant Biology Program. Most are experts in two or more disciplines such that their collective scientific expertise spans most of the major areas of modern plant research. Interactions and collaborations among laboratories are extensive and common. Participating faculty enjoy strong grant support, enabling innovative research to be carried out by active and productive research groups.

The Plant Biology Program maintains close ties with other programs within the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, the School of Engineering and the Departments of Chemistry and Physics. This enables students to carry out their research with the assistance or guidance of faculty in these affiliated schools and departments.

Research and Educational Facilities

Extensive equipment and facilities for modern research in plant biology, including biochemical and molecular approaches, are found in the laboratories of the plant biology group. Shared resources include the Jeanette Goldfarb Plant Growth Facility, including 6,600 square feet of state-of-the-art greenhouse space divided into five environmentally distinct areas, an entire floor of the building devoted to controlled environment chambers, and a well-equipped plant tissue culture laboratory. A microscopy and imaging facility is available in McDonnell Hall for cell biology research. The facilities of the Missouri Botanical Garden, including a splendid library and herbarium, are available to all students.

Excellent libraries are located on both the Hilltop and Medical campuses. These libraries maintain outstanding collections of books, journals and computer services relevant to modern biology. The librarians and staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Washington University

Founded in 1853 as a nondenominational community of scholars, Washington University is known for its exceptionally broad and deep university-wide strengths in addition to its renowned biomedical education and research.

Located at the western edge of the City of St. Louis near the six-square-mile Forest Park, the University proper (the Hilltop Campus) is situated next to the west end of the park, and the School of Medicine (Medical School Campus) is on the east side. An efficient shuttle service connects both campuses and is free for all students and faculty.

St. Louis

The Gateway Arch--St. Louis' preeminent symbol--represents the joining of old and new on the historic Mississippi riverfront. Rising in front of a dramatic skyline, the Arch symbolizes St. Louis' role as the gateway to the West. Today, as in the past, St. Louis is a prominent cultural and commercial city, linking the north and south, east and west, through its traditions and its views of the future. The Arch itself, designed by Eero Saarinen, is a remarkable sculptural achievement and an incredible engineering feat, worthy of its dramatic setting. An outstanding art museum, a renowned symphony orchestra, and a world-famous botanical garden are part of the city's rich environment. Blues, jazz, theater, and major-league sporting events provide superlative recreational diversions, as do the lakes and streams of the surrounding area. Across the street from the University is Forest Park which offers recreational activities including over 12 miles of jogging, biking or inline skating trails, two 9 hole and one 18 hole golf course, an outdoor skating rink and a tennis center. Cultural facilities within the park include the art museum, zoo, science center, history museum, and the municipal opera, an outdoor theater featuring a summer series of broadway musicals.

Though the St. Louis area has over 2.5 million residents, living is simple and affordable. Because of Washington University's central location, many of the city's attractions require only a short drive. A convenient, modern highway system and a simple city plan allow easy access to the entire metropolitan area.


| Plant Biology Page |