Plant and Microbial Biology

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is the cornerstone of the PMB program. Most Ph.D. students earn their degree in five years by:

• completing coursework during years one and two;
• conducting original research during years two through five;
• holding at least one teaching assistantship;
• participating in professional development opportunities; and
• attending ongoing seminars.

Check the financial support page for information on funding opportunities

PMB graduate program faculty members hold appointments in a variety of departments within the College of Biological Sciences (CBS), College of Food, Agriculture, and Nature Sciences (CFANS), and United States Department of Agriculture. This creates a uniquely interdisciplinary and immersive experience. Students are empowered to grapple with the fundamentals of plant, microbial, and fungal biology through a broad spectrum of ever-evolving research approaches and techniques. 

Faculty research interests include:

• population genetics and molecular evolution
• plant and fungal development
• systematics and biodiversity
• genomics and bioinformatics
• regulation of gene expression
• biochemical and cellular processes
• physiological processes
• ecophysiology and community function

See the PMB Graduate Student Handbook for details about the program. Check ClassInfo for information on graduate courses and the University Catalog for the complete curriculum.

The PMB experience begins with a four-day orientation at the University of Minnesota Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

With the primary literature at the heart of the curriculum, PMB continually advances all of the skill sets essential to scientific discourse. Students employ critical reading and thinking skills to evaluate an expansive and growing body of published work. They develop competency in presenting not just the work of others, but also their own ideas and research findings—in both written and oral formats.

PMB students enjoy the rich opportunity to ask groundbreaking research questions. By working with faculty at the forefront of their fields, utilizing the University’s state-of-the-art facilities, and participating in ongoing seminars and colloquia, students make impactful contributions to the international plant an microbial science research community.

Phytograds

The PMB graduate student association, a.k.a. “Phytograds,” is a tight-knit group of students from all over the world. Join a thriving network of international scientists, get to know your peers, and have some fun while you’re at it. FInd out more about the Phytograds.

Annual retreat

The Phytograds plan and host an annual one-day retreat for the PMB graduate program. The entire PMB community is invited to attend:

• graduate and post-doctoral research talks
• faculty and administrator presentations
• poster session
• fun activities

PMB mentor program

PMB pairs each incoming student with a mentor-student in the program. Mentors help first-year students with moving and acclimating to the Twin Cities, along with any other challenges that arise during the first year of study.

PMB Program Seminar

In order to help students and faculty keep pace with the rapid accumulation of new knowledge and techniques in modern biological research, a seminar series is held every fall and spring semester, with talks on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. One or two PMB graduate students serve on the PMB Program Seminar Committee, choosing, inviting, and hosting speakers. All students are encouraged to meet with visiting scientists.

Student seminars

First- and fifth-semester PMB students present at least one formal seminar on their own research plans. First-semester students take this as a for-credit course. All faculty and students are encouraged to attend each week’s seminar, creating accountability towards thesis research for the entire graduate community.

Journal clubs

Weekly journal clubs provide critical in-depth explorations of recent scientific literature for both faculty and students. All students are expected to participate regularly in at least one journal club.