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Graduate Program

Professional Development

Graduate Students in the Division of Plant Sciences are encouraged to belong to professional societies and to participate in annual research meetings. Students in our division belong to one or more of the professional societies listed below.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association.

The American Phytopathological Society (APS). APS is the premier society dedicated to high-quality, innovative plant pathology research.

American Society of Agronomy (ASA). Society members are dedicated to the conservation and wise use of natural resources to produce food, feed, and fiber crops while maintaining and improving the environment.

American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB). ASPB is a professional society devoted to the advancement of the plant sciences.

The Entomological Society of America (ESA). ESA is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines.

International Society for Molecular & Plant-Microbe Interactions (IS-MPMI). (IS-MPMI) is comprised of members from more than 30 countries who research molecular aspects of microorganisms interacting with plants and the consequences of such interactions.


Graduate Student Organizations

Here are a few organizations you might consider joining as a plant sciences graduate student:

  • The C.V. Riley Entomological Society is involved in the development and promotion of public interest in entomology. Members promote public awareness of entomology through participation in community events such as Earth Day, Haunted House of Hoops, Bioblitz surveys, and class presentations at local elementary schools.  The society also sponsors a picnic and an insect collecting trip each fall. 

    Faculty Sponsor: Ben Puttler, 573-882- 1457

  • The Graduate Student Association represents graduate student interests within the Division of Plant Sciences. The purpose is to enhance the academic pursuits and social lives of graduate students by supporting and promoting educational, social and cultural events.

    • Faculty Sponsor: Jim Schoelz, 573-882-1467

  • The Linnaean Games Team competes in a quiz-bowl style competition on entomological facts. The team consists of a maximum of four students and may be composed of either graduate or undergraduate students. Teams compete head-to-head in single-elimination tournaments at the branch and national levels.

    Faculty Sponsor: Richard Houseman, 573-882-7181

  • Students for the Advancement of Plant Pathology (SAPP) is an association that represents graduate students interested in plant microbiology and pathology within the Division of Plant Sciences. Our mission is to promote graduate research in plant microbiology and pathology through research stipends and encourage professional development through travel grants to attend scientific meetings and workshops.

    • Faculty Sponsor: Melissa Mitchum, 573-882-6152