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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #196674
Title: SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS IN PLANT GENOME RESEARCH FOR AMERICAN INDIANS AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Author
item Lawrence, Carolyn
item CRUZ, VON - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Gardner, Candice
item Widrlechner, Mark
item Millard, Mark
item Seigfried, Trent
item Campbell, Darwin
item BRENDEL, VOLKER - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/16/2006
Publication Date: 6/1/2006
Citation: Lawrence, C.J., Cruz, V.M., Gardner, C.A., Widrlechner, M.P., Millard, M.J., Seigfried, T.E., Campbell, D.A., Brendel, V. 2006. Summer research internships in plant genome research for American Indians at Iowa State University [abstract]. Book of Abstracts - Collaborative Plant Biology in the Rocky Mountain/Midwest Region: Impacts and Future Prospects for Plant Genomics. p. 31.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The involvement of American Indian students and researchers in plant genome research is minimal. In an effort to increase their representation in the research community, we are offering a summer program to mentor seven American Indian undergraduates in plant genomics research. Students selected to participate will study Zea mays and Echinacea species - plants of importance to many Native Tribes. Five students will work with USDA-ARS North Central Regional Plant Introduction scientists to carry out field work (to grow and propagate the plants), to collect and preserve plant material, and to use SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeat) or other suitable molecular markers to characterize those accessions. Data generated by these students, as well as information describing cultural practices involving those plants, will be stored in a database and made accessible through a Web interface to be created by two students who will work with members of the Maize Genetics and Genomics Database (MaizeGDB) team. Travel, health care, room and board, and a $2,500 stipend will be made available to each student, and will be arranged by the Iowa State University George Washington Carver Summer Research Internship program, which runs from June 3 to July 29. An advisory council made up of Tribal Elders will be consulted before the students arrive and also will be invited to attend a Commencement Jamboree where the Elders' hopes for the students will be conveyed alongside the outcomes anticipated by the researcher mentors. This work is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and conducted by Iowa State University and USDA-ARS personnel.