All graduate students in the Plant Biology Department are members of the Plant Biology Graduate Student Association. This organization provides the opportunity for graduate students to be represented in the administration of the Department. The PBGSA President and one additional officer attend all faculty meetings and -except for personnel decisions- have one vote on all matters considered by the faculty. Graduate students also invite and host one of the departmental seminar speakers every semester. Plant Biology graduate students are also actively involved in the Department as members of the DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) committee, as Social Media Liaison for the Public Relations Committee, or as Undergraduate Liaison for the PBIO undergraduate majors. The PBGSA facilitates social interactions among graduate students and between students and faculty, e.g. through monthly "Final Friday" cookouts in the outdoor Jaworski Amphitheater, and provides professional development opportunities, including peer teaching evaluations that help fellow graduate students hone their teaching skills. Every year in spring, graduate students and Greenhouse staff work together to grow herbs, flowers and vegetable plants that are sold to the local community. These events are well-known among the plant lovers in the community as the PBGSA Herb Sale. The proceeds from these sales are used to sponsor social and professional activities for undergraduate and graduate students in Plant Biology, and contribute to the funding of PBGSA Research, Teaching, and Outreach Awards. Graduate students also actively organize and participate in diverse outreach activities. If you consider joining the Plant Biology Department as a graduate student, please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to possibly working with you and your future participation in PBGSA. PBGSA Officers for 2024-2025: President: Clayton Hale Vice President: Emma Chandler Communications Chair: Deanna Negru Treasurer: NA Outreach and Teaching Chair: Audrey Widmier Social Chair: NA
