The Translational Plant Sciences Graduate Program (TPSGP) is unique in comparison with traditional PhD programs. The TPSGP offers students a customized academic plan complemented by in-depth research experience, and practical hands-on internship experience tailored to individual career goals. We are pleased to announce that one of our fellows was recently awarded an internship with Dow AgroSciences.  

Ashley Yates, is a fellow in the TPS graduate program, and is co-advised by Dr. Andy Michel and Joshua Blakeslee. Her research focuses on the molecular interaction between soybean aphid biotypes and aphid-resistant soybean. At the start of September 2016, Ashley began pursuing internship opportunities with Dow AgroSciences, and she will complete an internship this summer in R&D Biology & Plant Biology. 

Since before she joined the TPS graduate program Ashley's career goal was to work in the agriculture industry, researching insect pest-plant interaction to help ensure crop protection from pests. It has been her intention to apply for internships because "internships give us the opportunity to experience day-to-day operations in a career path that we aspire to, and also enables us to network within that environment". 

Dow AgroSciences has high expectations for their interns. All internships are lab-based, science positions and each student has the opportunity to work with a senior scientist. Dow AgroSciences encourages all interns to be creative, independent, and take initiative. Interns have the opportunity to take part in all phases of research in the lab and/or greenhouse. In addition, throughout the summer internship, students are expected to present updates on their research projects. 

Ashley's goals for this internship include:

1. To experience the day-today research environment of Dow AgroSciences
2. To learn more about the Dow AgroSciences pipeline and research that leads to products that improve agriculture
3. To contribute to a project that helps ensure crop protection from pests
4. To network and make connections with Dow Agrosciences' scientists with similar interests

Ashley is eager to move into this internship as she embarks on the next step to accomplish her career goals.