Freshmen Research in Plants (FRIPS)

The FRIPS Program (Freshman Research in Plants) is a specially designed program to expose new college students to the vital and exciting research being done with plants and to encourage them to consider a research career in plant biology. FRIPS is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. We anticipate that 10-15 positions will be available for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Why Study Plants?

The main components of the program are 1) work in a research lab (8-10 hours/week at times that fit around the student’s class schedules), and 2) a weekly professional-development meeting.  

Eligibility
  • First-Year/First-Time, undergraduate student at MU
  • Intended major(s) in biochemistry, biology, environmental science, computer sciences, chemistry, natural resource science, agriculture or plant sciences
  • High school GPA of at least 3.0
  • Interest in plant biology research
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

2023-2024 Academic Year

Applications for the 2023-24 academic year will open in June 2023.

Application Information Needed
  • Upload your resume (pdf format)
  • Describe three (3) personal goals for Fall 2023
  • Explain why you are interested in conducting undergraduate research
  • Summarize any prior lab, research, or advanced computing experience
  • Consider how involvement with plant research impacts your academic and/or career goals
  • Explain how your personal skills, strengths, and attributes will be helpful to you in research

Applications will be reviewed and interviews will occur on a rolling basis beginning August 22nd. The deadline for applications is September 3, 2023. Students may be invited for an interview prior to formal acceptance. Notification of your acceptance will be sent to your MU email address.

To view the application in PDF format, click here.
(Applications must still be submitted using the online portal – gold “Apply Now!”)

Application Link

To view the application in PDF format, see below:
(Applications must still be submitted using the online portal – gold “Apply Now!”)

  • Be exposed to various areas of cutting-edge plant science
  • • Attend weekly lab meetings 
  • • Learn basic skills in lab safety, greenhouse operations, and research ethics
  • • Meet other freshmen interested in plant biology research
  • • Work in a research lab 8-10 hours per week ($12/hr)
  • • Learn about research opportunities and funding beyond the freshmen year
  • • Refine professional skills 
  • • Receive individual advising and coaching from their faculty mentor

During the academic year, FRIPS students typically work 8-10 hours/week during the semester and earn $12/hour.

For more information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Research: 150 Bond Life Sciences Center, 573-882-5979, ugr@missouri.edu.