Agricultural Biotechnology

Program Activities

We will provide experiential learning (EL) and project-based learning (PBL) activities by involving BS/MS students in advanced research on plant growth and physiology, crop production, genetic engineering, plant biotechnology, microbial biotechnology, cell culture, breeding, and biocontrol areas. These activities are designed for undergraduate and graduate students to improve their research, leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Instrumentation Day

Understanding and operating highly advanced instruments is essential for students to gain technical skills for performing their research and future jobs. Similarly, familiarity with troubleshooting and understanding critical steps is crucial for performing experiments related to agricultural biotechnology.

• Students participate one-day training on the instruments (for example, PCR, RT-PCR, DNA and RNA analyzer, HPLC, Photosynthesis meters, GC-MS, gel electrophoresis, DNA/RNA extractions, etc) used in the Agriscience fields.
• A faculty mentor and project team member will be assigned to show the instruments and run specific samples from plants, soil, or microbes.
• The eligible students who are either in Junior or Senior years of their BS can participate. Also, MS students who are in their their first semester can participate. 

⇒ Click for more information and previous events: Instrumentation and Experimentation Day (Senior Students)

Research Day

The main purpose of this event is to provide students an opportunity to showcase their experiences and key results obtained while performing a research project. The students will share their experiences with peers, junior students and faculties through “Poster Presentation”. The best poster and project based on a defined rubric and judge’s evaluation are awarded with certificates.

• All the BS and MS students can participate
• Students who are enrolled in Capstone or Honors thesis courses can participate for poster presentation
• The project team will facilitate poster printing and provision of presentation space

⇒ Click for more information and previous events: Research Day (Senior Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

Farm Day

Tailored for undergraduate and MS students specializing in agriculture, this unique program, led by Dr. Khan, taps into the extensive agriculture and food research and production facilities around Houston area.

• Students will delve into a series of field-related activities, including visits to Texas A&M research farms, ecological parks, and industrial sites.
• This is group a visit, consisting of 10-12 students for half-day immersions into real-world experiences.
• Some of key sites are industries working on plant biotechnology areas, hydroponics, genomic centers, research fields etc

⇒ Click for more information and previous events: Biotechnology Farm Day (Senior Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

Controlled Environment Food Production Workshop

Indoor farming allows for precise control over temperature, humidity, lighting, and other environmental factors that impact plant growth. 

• This is a collaborative workshop of UoH and TAMU, organized at College Station, TX. 
• This workshop is open to all levels of students who want to learn how indoor farming works and how healthy and economically important foods are produced
• This is a three day workshop, with complete hands-on training on hydroponics/aeroponics, speciality crop growth and production, and field visits to related vertical farming facilities in Houston

⇒ Click for more information and previous events: Climate Smart Workshop (Senior Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

Biotech Entrepreneurship Workshop 

One-day entrepreneurial workshops will be organized to promote entrepreneurial skills among participating students every semester. This entrepreneurship workshop for participating students will help them understand basic concepts of entrepreneurial skills, organizational structure, and value proposition for technology.

⇒ Click for more information and previous events: Biotech Entrepreneurship Workshop (Senior Undergraduate and Graduate Students)

Summer Lab Assistantship Program: 

This program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who are ready to actively participate in a research project for the summer semester. Graduate students, especially those working on their thesis research, can greatly benefit from this program. Junior/Senior undergraduate students enrolled in UH (NSM/CCE) are also welcomed. The students will be actively involved in Plant Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Research for two months. The students will also have some financial support through summer lab works. 

⇒ Click for more information and previous events: Summer Lab Assistantship Program and Summer Lab Assistantship Program page.