Newsroom

Field Trips to Biotechnology and Genomic Research Boost Students’ Lifelong Success

This summer, five Fort Valley State University (FVSU) S-STEM plant science-biotechnology scholars will expand their knowledge in research and learn the necessary steps to apply for graduate school. This follows a visit to the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences back in March. 

Eighteen students, graduates, post-doctoral fellows, faculty and staff took a field trip to the University of Georgia, an 1862 Land-Grant University. This academic enrichment activity, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) S-STEM, HBCU-UP and FVSU's Department of Education's Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP), exposed the students to biotechnology concepts. It also trained them to apply those concepts by learning hands-on techniques in higher education and professional school.

Students had the unique opportunity to tour with Steve Stice, Ph.D, director of the Regenerative Bioscience Center, and Lohitash Karumbaiah, Ph.D, director of the Translational Glycomaterials and Neural Repair Laboratory, through their animal and dairy sciences research facilities, UGA's plant breeding and Genetics Department facilities and labs, and the campus greenhouses. The students were also introduced to esteemed faculty members, including C. Robin Buell, Ph.D., Jason Wallace, Ph.D., Wayne Parrott, Ph.D., and C.J. Tsai, Ph.D. 

During the trip, they learned about summer research opportunities and graduate programs at UGA. During lunch, students shared their academic and research experience at FVSU and future career plans with Dean Kopsell, Ph.D., associate dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs, Lakecia Pettway, director of the "Rising Scholar Program," and UGA’s faculty and staff from the College of Agriculture. In the past three years, the Rising Scholar Program has provided internships to 15 FVSU students at UGA’s campus. At dinner, the students could also interact with FVSU alumni currently admitted to Ph.D. programs and those currently transitioning into PhD programs. 

Sarwan Dhir, Ph.D., FVSU professor of Plant Biotechnology, said, “It is more important than ever to expose youths to STEM disciplines and careers as undergraduates. The demand for STEM education is increasing at the local industry level as the U.S. competes to reassert its position as a global leader in the science and technology fields,” he said. “The visit at UGA also helped us to develop the collaboration to place five FVSU biotechnology scholars this year.”

Bryan Hallman, a senior undergraduate student, said, “I was uncertain about what to expect after graduation. Visiting UGA helped me clarify some of those uncertainties and guided me on steps to advance my capabilities in what I would like to do. The trip enlightened me on the opportunities in biotechnology and career paths that may suit me. We also learned the same techniques they do there, which was good to see."

This summer, Marisha Townera, a senior in the plant biotechnology program, will participate in UGA’s Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) program to gain more experience in plant genetics for 10 weeks. The FVSU STEM scholar said, “I've always liked the opportunity to learn more. I am elated to know there is a place where I can combine my knowledge as a nurse, plant scientist, biologist, marketing manager and geneticist.”  

Both students are looking forward to furthering not only their education, but also their careers in the STEM workforce. These scholars encourage other students to attend FVSU. Marisha said, “I initially had no idea about the 1890 Land-Grant University”. She was surprised about the endless opportunities offered by the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology, including scholarships, cutting-edge lab experience, and mandatory scientific presentations at the national meeting for plant science-biotechnology students.

“Fort Valley State University creates strong career paths for agricultural majors,” she emphasized.

 

Students pictured at UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Life Sciences Davison Life Sciences Building with Breeanna Urbanowicz, leader of the Plant Biopolymers Group, at the Carbohydrate Complex Center.

---

• Categories:
• News
• Home
• Home Featured
• Research and Innovation
• STEM

---