The Phytotechnology Research Center

The Phytotechnology Research Center (PRC) is an interdisciplinary center with eight faculty members from biological sciences, chemistry, and forestry. The focus of the PRC is on PhD graduate student education and collaborative research efforts in the areas of plant biotechnology, plant sciences, and technological applications of plant products. The PRC receives a prestigious USDA National Needs Graduate Fellowship for Plant Biotechnology, which provides funding for a PhD candidate studying in the program.

The latest advances in genetic engineering and molecular microanalysis are available at the PRC, as well as many traditional approaches, to study plant physiology, pathology, and biochemistry. Not only do PRC faculty work with other major universities involved in plant biotechnology in the U.S. and Europe, but also with both industrial and USDA laboratories, which enhances its effectiveness in providing a robust research experience for graduate students. The center's long-range objectives are to better understand plant metabolism and the interactions of plants with their environment and to develop new varieties of plants and plant products that address specific problems.