Careers in… Plant Biology Crispin Taylor, PhD Robert Frost MS Career Day December 5, 2008

American Society of Plant Biologists What does “plant biology” include? Food Research Fuel and fiber Farms Gardens The environment

American Society of Plant Biologists What do plant biologists do? Basic research Corporate research Agricultural research Teaching Conservation Many other things…

American Society of Plant Biologists Where do plant biologists work? Schools Universities Companies In the government Many other places…

American Society of Plant Biologists What skills do plant biologists (and scientists in general) need? Curiosity Critical thinking Accuracy Communication Determination Love of plants

American Society of Plant Biologists What do you need to do to become a plant biologist (or any other kind of scientist)? The longer (and harder) you work, the more options you’ll have! And the more options you have, the happier you are likely to be!

American Society of Plant Biologists What do you need to do to become a plant biologist? Excel in math and science in high school (4 years) Get a Bachelor’s degree in science (with research experience) (4-5 years)

American Society of Plant Biologists What do you need to do to become a plant biologist? Excel in math and science in high school (3 years) Get a Bachelor’s degree in science (with research experience) (4-5 years) Get a Master’s degree in science (2 years)

American Society of Plant Biologists What do you need to do to become a plant biologist? Excel in math and science in high school (3 years) Get a Bachelor’s degree in science (with research experience) (4-5 years) Get a Master’s degree in science (2 years) Go on for a PhD and postdoc (another 8-plus years!)

American Society of Plant Biologists

American Society of Plant Biologists What path did I take?

American Society of Plant Biologists

American Society of Plant Biologists Pick YOUR path…

American Society of Plant Biologists What do I like about my work? Meeting people; communicating Using my brain Helping people Making a difference Working independently Working in teams Having time for my family

American Society of Plant Biologists What is not so much fun? Long hours Busy weekends Lots of travel

American Society of Plant Biologists Where do I work now? In a lovely house in Rockville

American Society of Plant Biologists And what do I do there? Work for 5000 plant biologists Work with 22 staff Publish two scientific journals, online and in print Support education and training Go to meetings HAVE FUN!

American Society of Plant Biologists Let’s look at some plants…

American Society of Plant Biologists And now (if we have time) let’s look at some plants that MOVE… http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/usbg/

Careers in… Plant Biology Crispin Taylor, PhD Robert Frost MS Career Day December 5, 2008