Botanical Breakthroughs: Exploring Biochemical Properties of Plants

Plant-derived products have been used to cure diseases throughout the course of human history. This two-week summer program will utilize multiple resources at UMass Amherst to explore this diverse area of study, including (but not limited to) the Plant Cell Collection Library (PCCL), the herbarium, and our research greenhouses.

Students will have the opportunity to work closely with UMass staff and professors in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology to study plants and their importance to human life. Students will be introduced to exciting research currently underway in our labs, will explore the wonderland of plant-derived natural products, and will gain valuable hands-on laboratory experience.

Most of this course will take place in our teaching labs, and we will venture out most days for field trips on campus.

The course will end with student poster presentations and a discussion about how to highlight the Summer Pre-college experience on resumes and applications. It is a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, plant biology, or anyone curious about plants, drug design, and plant-derived products. 

This course is offered at the UMass Amherst campus as a residential program. Local students may apply to attend as a commuter.