Meet the 2024 REU Cohort: Shaping the Next Generation of Scientists
Each summer, exceptional undergraduate students from around the country are invited to join the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship program at the Danforth Center. This program offers young scientists an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in all facets of modern scientific research. It's a rare chance to work with cutting-edge technology alongside world-class plant scientists.
Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the REU program is designed to equip the next generation of scientists to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Plant science is crucial for developing solutions to climate change, advancing clean energy, restoring ecosystems, and improving agriculture. Students who participate in the REU program leave inspired and motivated to be a part of this future.
We spoke with a few of this year’s REU students about the highlights of their experience and what their plans are for the future.
Daniela Ceballos
What the program taught Daniela about next steps in her scientific career
Being a part of this internship has been very helpful for understanding the possibilities of plant science. My mentors and other staff at the Danforth Center have all been supportive in my efforts to complete my projects as well as in answering simple questions like what it would entail to pursue a postdoc position.
I have met several principal investigators and other community members here who have connected me with academic contacts back home in California as well as in St. Louis. I'm proud of the invaluable connections I made with my fellow interns, with whom I have loved exploring the city, and I look forward to staying in contact with everyone I met!
Daniela Ceballos
What Daniela wants to do next
I don't have a definite answer yet as far as my future career goals, but this internship has informed me of the possibilities in plant science. I am currently planning on pursuing a graduate-level degree in plant science and hope to work with plant phenotype related research in the future.
Morgan Murff
Morgan’s internship highlights
During my REU internship at the Danforth Center, I worked on perennial grains in Allison Miller’s lab. My project was focused on root-and-shoot phenotypic variations across time and field sites. In my research, I learned a lot about training models, data visualization, and coding in R.
My favorite moments of the internship were learning more about the plant science community in St. Louis, like when we visited the Missouri Botanical Garden’s herbarium and rare botanical books collection.
Morgan Murff
What Morgan’s future holds
I will apply to graduate school this year with the goal of obtaining my PhD in Plant Biology. My future career goal is to be a professor. I want to teach plant sciences to undergraduates and focus my research on African medicinal plants.
Felix Guo
How Felix found new passions and a sense of community
This was my first time doing research, and it was super exciting! I was initially quite nervous because I knew I had a lot to learn, but I found out that I absolutely love it! I was so lucky to have the opportunity to work on my project this summer because it matched all of my research interests—combating climate change and supporting sustainable agriculture—and taught me foundational techniques I will continue to use in my future research projects. I also had the privilege of having an amazing mentor and principal investigator, as well as being in such a kind and supportive lab where everyone gave me so much valuable advice, experience, and an immediate sense of community.
One of my favorite moments of the program was the Danforth Center retreat! I got to meet so many people and learn about the spectacular projects they are working on! It’s so inspiring to see so many dedicated and kind individuals who all are working together to combat global issues like climate change and food insecurity. They were able to answer all my questions and give me important advice that I can use to have a successful future as I look toward applying to graduate school and fellowships.
Felix Guo
Felix’s career goals
Having this internship at the Danforth Center solidified my goals of pursuing a PhD in plant biology and becoming a professor. I hope to bring more awareness to plant science and help people discover their passion for this unique field. I also want to create and support programs that reduce disparities in STEM education. I plan on having my own research lab, where I can develop pest-resistant crops, reducing the issue of food insecurity.
Ethan Richardson
Ethan’s key takeaways
I learned that it takes more than intellect and merit to be an accomplished scientist. At a facility with so many impressive people all doing incredible things, it’s what you do beyond your research that makes you stand out, whether that takes the form of helping to turn innovative ideas into real world products that can benefit millions or fostering a new generation of scientists through outreach and education.
Ethan Richardson
What are your future career goals?
This internship has given me many ideas as to what I might do after graduating. As a rising senior, the time has come for me to decide the trajectory that my career will take. My goal moving forward is to go to graduate school, pursue a master’s degree, and eventually work up to my doctorate—in what, I am still unsure. However, whether or not I pursue a career in the science of agriculture, I want to contribute my life’s work to a cause that benefits the lives of millions of people around the world.