Environmental & Plant Biology faculty are actively researching various aspects of forest biology, ranging from basic ecological processes to applied management concerns.
Environmental & Plant Biology Department
Environmental & Plant Biology Department
Plant Biology majors spend time in the lab and in the field, preparing for a variety of careers. They travel around the United States, and even send experiments to the International Space Station, as they explore species, study climates, and probe how plants respond to gravity.
They work in labs exploring algae in acid mine drainage, barcoding medicinal plants in Pakistan, or unlocking the secrets of cell walls. They help set up community gardens and preserve old growth forest.
Improving. Preserving. Producing. Discovering.
Our faculty have obtained and continue to seek substantial grant funding to support their research programs. They engage both undergraduate and graduate students in their research, as evidenced by the numerous co-authored papers and presentations at regional, national, and international scientific meetings and conferences.
Research Areas We Focus On
Our department is made of faculty from three complementary research programs to strategically foster research opportunities and education.
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Functional Genomics
The plant cell wall biotechnology group studies the structure and function of plant cell wall components in hopes of exploiting this knowledge for the production of valuable biological products.
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Systematics & Evolution
Researchers employ independent sources of data to infer phylogenetic relationships and to use the phylogeny as a framework to study character evolution and biogeography.
Congrats to Our Faculty Researchers
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Two Algae Named for Dr. Morgan VisDr. Vis also co-authored Freshwater Red Algae, a book presenting the phylogeny, taxonomy and biogeography of freshwater red algae.
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Dr. DeForest's Lab Studies Impact of Exceptional Drought on Southeast Ohio Ecos…Dr. Jared DeForest and students in his lab are looking to create a link between soil, microbes and plants and trees during drought.
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Dr. Wyatt Has Sent 4 Experiments to the International Space StationDistinguished Professor Sarah Wyatt, among 18 scientists leading the nation's space research agenda for living on the moon and Mars, awaits her next International Space Station experiment.
Plant Biology Student Experiences — Here and Abroad
Conduct research with award-winning faculty. Intern at an arboretum or park. And more.
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Intern across the United StatesThe Plant Biology Majors Internships Program offers positions with many host institutions in and around Athens and across the United States and in the Bahamas and Jamaica.
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Join the Adventures with Plant ClubPlant Club provides opportunities to explore the local environment, help with conservation projects, and explore natural areas surrounding the Athens region.
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Study Tropical Biology in Panama over Spring BreakTravel with faculty to investigate biological diversity, animal ecology, and conservation issues impacting terrestrial and marine environments.
OHIO Student Farm: Hands-On Learning in Sustainable Agriculture
With the help of faculty, student interns and volunteers, the OHIO Student Farm demonstrates the value of local, sustainable agriculture and how it benefits the University and surrounding communities.
Class Project: Testing Deer Management Strategy to Protect Plant Species
OHIO students apply wildlife management research, building structures that protect vegetation from overgrazing by deer.
Careers with a Plant Biology Degree
Alumni Engagement & Giving Opportunities
Plant Biology News
Plant Biology Events
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