A new model undergraduate internship program in agricultural biotechnology

LaMantia, Jonathan (A) Alvarez, Neil A (A) Doherty, Jennifer M (A) Lickwar, Colin (A) Longo, Chip (B) (C) Viola, David (A) Khang, Pai (A) Phipps, Ben (A) Jamison, Chris (A) Clark, Tom (A) Nelson-Vasilchik, Kim (B) Hu, Qian (B) Luo, Hong (B) Kausch, Albert (B) (C)
Affiliations: (A): University of Rhode Island (B): HybriGene, Inc. (C): life edu.org

A University/Industry undergraduate internship experience has been created as a model program to provide students real-world training and laboratory skills in plant biotechnology. This internship program was initiated in 1999 with support from HybriGene Inc., the USDA, and the University of Rhode Island, and established to extend the student's laboratory course experience through training in various techniques in plant tissue and cell culture, gene transfer, and molecular and phenotypic analysis of transgenic plants in an industrial setting. The model for this program is project-based and challenges students not only to accomplish project objectives but also to participate in relevant research in the biotechnology industry with the possibility of published results. Students are also welcomed to take part in the lectures, tours and seminars provided both by HybriGene and the university to supplement their curriculum requirements. In addition to the academic and laboratory skills, the program provides written and verbal communication development through team coordination and leadership training. The experience attained from the program provides not only technical learning but also critical thinking skills essential for developing scientists. HybriGene, together with the University of Rhode Island, provide the environment for young scientists in a variety of disciplines from plant biology to chemical engineering, to explore career potentials of biotechnology. The Agricultural Biotechnology Undergraduate Intern Program has been well received by students many of whom after completion have been placed in industry positions or have pursued graduate studies. It is our goal to continue and extend its development.