Boyce Thompson Institute

Hiring announcement graphic for an Assistant Professor position at the Boyce Thompson Institute. The image shows a greenhouse and brick building under a blue sky, with text reading ‘Assistant Professor’ at the top and a hand holding a sign that says ‘We’re Hiring’ in the foreground. The BTI logo is visible in the corner.

Shape the future of #PlantScience! BTI, affiliated with Cornell, seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor to drive discovery in plant biology. Review of applications begins November. Apply: recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/J...

Promotional graphic for the Jane Silverthorne Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Text reads: 'Jane Silverthorne Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Supporting early-career scientists with high-risk, high-reward research projects that bridge fundamental science with real-world solutions. BTI – Powered by the Jane Silverthorne Innovation Fund. Now Accepting Applications.' On the right side, there is a circular photo of a woman with long blonde hair and glasses, wearing a black top. The design includes green and white waves with a leaf and circuit logo.

Now accepting applications for the Jane Silverthorne Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at BTI! 🌿 Supporting bold scientists tackling plant science frontiers with cross-disciplinary approaches. Full funding for high-risk, high-reward research. Apply by Jan 15, 2026! 🧬 spf.btiscience.org

BTI’s Post Graduate Society (PGS) recently held their annual symposium, a full day celebrating science with poster sessions, talks, and great opportunities to connect.

Flyer for the Virtual Pangenome Workshop, scheduled for October 1, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. US Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Colombia time). The flyer features a DNA double helix filled with images of colorful tomatoes and peppers. Logos of BTI and AGROSAVIA appear at the bottom. This version is simpler, without speaker details or workshop description text.

Flyer for the Virtual Pangenome Workshop, scheduled for October 1, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. US Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Colombia time). The flyer features a DNA double helix filled with images of various colorful tomatoes and peppers. Text explains the workshop aims to introduce the transition from individual genomes to pangenomes, highlighting advantages and applications in agriculture through case studies of key crops. Speakers include Silvia Restrepo (BTI), Fei Zhangjun (BTI), Lukas Mueller (BTI), James Giovannoni (USDA), Joyce Van Eck (BTI), Luz Stella Barrero (AGROSAVIA), Valeria Velasquez (AGROSAVIA), and Paola Zuluaga (AGROSAVIA). Logos of BTI and AGROSAVIA appear at the bottom.

A reminder and new link! Join AGROSAVIA & BTI for a workshop on how pangenomes are transforming genomics, breeding & agriculture!

Oct 1, 2025 | 9–4 US / 8–3 COL
For students, postdocs & researchers in #PlantScience.

Register: www.agrosavia.co/eventos/ft_1...

A promotional poster for the "Virtual Pangenome Workshop" held on October 1, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (US ET) and 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Colombia time). The poster features a DNA double helix structure filled with various colorful tomatoes. The workshop aims to introduce the transition from individual genomes to pangenomes, focusing on applications in agriculture and breeding. Speakers include members from the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), USDA, and AGROSAVIA. Logos of BTI and AGROSAVIA are displayed at the bottom.

A simplified promotional image for the "Virtual Pangenome Workshop" on October 1, 2025, with the same times as the first image. It features a DNA helix filled with various colorful tomatoes. The image includes logos for BTI and AGROSAVIA at the bottom but does not include additional text about the agenda or speakers.

Join AGROSAVIA & BTI for a workshop on how pangenomes are transforming genomics, breeding & agriculture!
Oct 1, 2025 | 9–4 US / 8–3 COL
For students, postdocs & researchers in #PlantScience.

Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4e70c4...

New on H-Sci-Med-Tech:

Check out Eric J. Richards (@btiscience.bsky.social)‬’s review of @mattholmes.bsky.social’s book _The Graft Hybrid: Challenging Twentieth-Century Genetics_ pub 2024 @upittpress.bsky.social
‬
#HSTM

Review available @hnetreviews.bsky.social
www.h-net.org/reviews/show...

A graphic featuring a large green quotation mark and a text box with the quote: “Overall, this summer was a dream experience for me as an aspiring scientific researcher.” At the bottom left is a circular photo of Sarah Siegle, smiling with long red hair and wearing a green button-down shirt. Her name “Sarah Siegle” appears in bold green text to the right of her photo. The background shows a faint image of a laboratory setting with scientific equipment.

Sarah Siegle spent her summer in BTI’s REU program exploring how lignin in corn affects nitrification and how genomic models can predict lignin content. Along the way, she gained five key insights and reflects on her time at BTI as a season of growth and inspiration.
btiscience.org/explore-bti/...

Not in Kansas Anymore – How a Summer in Ithaca, New York Changed my Life - Boyce Thompson Institute

This summer, Hazel Frans studied cold tolerance in Arabidopsis at BTI. She built research skills, explored Ithaca with friends, and connected with fellow students, an experience that deepened her passion for plant biology and prepared her for grad school. btiscience.org/explore-bti/...

Meet Paul Kuehnert: From Woodworking to Plant Science - Boyce Thompson Institute

Paul Kuehnert went from woodworking to plant science. Through the BTI REU program, he gained lab experience, confidence, and a clear goal: pursuing graduate study in plant breeding. btiscience.org/explore-bti/...

Promotional graphic for the Virtual Pangenome Workshop. At the top is a DNA double helix forming a circular frame filled with different varieties of tomatoes in various shapes and colors. On the right, large white text reads: “Virtual Pangenome Workshop.” Below, event details are listed: “October 1, 2025. 9:30 am – 4 pm (US ET). 8:00 am – 3 pm (Colombia time).” At the bottom are two logos: Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) on the left and AGROSAVIA on the right.

Join AGROSAVIA & BTI for a workshop on how pangenomes are transforming genomics, breeding & agriculture!
Oct 1, 2025 | 9–4 US / 8–3 COL
For students, postdocs & researchers in #PlantScience.
Register: events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4e70c4...

Meet Tetianna Smith-Drysdale: Digging Deep on Fungi and Finding Her Path in Science - Boyce Thompson Institute

Tetianna Smith-Drysdale spent the summer expanding her research experience and scientific understanding through the REU program at the BTI. Her journey has been shaped by curiosity, determination, and a passion for the hidden world of life under our feet. btiscience.org/explore-bti/...

Meet Abby Stathis: Exploring the Microbial World of Plants - Boyce Thompson Institute

Abby Stathis spent the summer at BTI uncovering how microbes shape plant disease. From culturing bacteria, to running field experiments, she dove deep into molecular biology while learning from mentors who inspired her. Read Abby's story of curiosity and discovery.
btiscience.org/explore-bti/...

YouTube video by WSKG Education Greenhouse Management | Boyce Thomson Institute | WSKG Excursion Lab

Check out part 2 of WSKG’s Excursion Lab Series filmed at BTI! Julie Bell, Plant Growth Facility Manager, shows how plants are grown in high-tech greenhouses and growth chambers. youtu.be/Cm5fCBdrR_c?...

Switch On, Switch Off: The Dynamic Defense of a Deadly Plant Disease - Boyce Thompson Institute

BTI scientists discovered how Phytophthora infestans (Irish Potato Famine culprit) can “switch” fungicide resistance ON after one low dose, then OFF when the threat passes. A new survival strategy with big implications for protecting potatoes & tomatoes: btiscience.org/explore-bti/...

#PlantScience

YouTube video by BTIScience BTI's 2025 Summer Research Program

This summer, BTI welcomed 34 undergrads + 3 high school students for 10 weeks of hands-on research, community outreach, and new friendships. Hear their stories and see how they grew as scientists and people: btiscience.org/explore-bti/...

youtu.be/RkDryO8O05Y

Poster for the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) PGS Symposium, scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Robert Purcell Community Center. The poster features colorful science-themed illustrations including DNA strands, bacteria, a microscope, a mushroom, light bulbs, test tubes, and an atom model. A QR code for registration is centered on the poster. Text at the bottom notes: "Breakfast and lunch (unlimited food Toni Morrison dining hall!) provided."

The 2025 BTI PGS Symposium is happening Sept. 23. Open to all members of the BTI + Cornell community. Register by Sept. 9 to attend or present! A day of research, connections, and great food awaits. Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Soybean (Williams 82) Alt text: Chalkboard-style sign next to a photo of fuzzy soybean pods on the plant. The sign reads: “My name: Soybean (Williams 82). My lab: Center for Plant Biotechnology Research. I want to: Help researchers understand the genetic blueprint of soybean and discover ways to develop soybeans with traits that can better serve agriculture.”

Tomato (Translational Lab) Alt text: Chalkboard-style sign next to a photo of healthy and blossom-end-rot-affected tomatoes. The sign reads: “My name: Tomato. My lab: Translational Lab. I want to: Unlock strategies that eliminate blossom-end-rot and drive yield improvements.”

Coffee Alt text: Chalkboard-style sign next to a coffee plant with clusters of ripening and shriveled coffee berries. The sign reads: “My name: Coffee. My lab: Giovannoni Lab. I want to: Learn about how my berries mature and ripen and how that process compares to my not so close but not so distant relative, tomato.”

Tomato (Giovannoni Lab) Alt text: Chalkboard-style sign next to a tomato plant with ripe red fruit on the vine. The sign reads: “My name: Tomato. My lab: Giovannoni Lab. I want to: Learn about my genetic make up and how my wild relatives might contribute to my progeny being more productive, nutritious, flavorful and resistant to stress.”

Your feed is probably full of #BackToSchool posts with kids sharing their dreams and goals for the future. We thought it would be fun to check in with our plants too! Just like those heading back to school, our plants also are hard at work chasing big goals.

Solanum cornelio­mulleri Alt text: Chalkboard-style sign next to a photo of fuzzy green tomatoes on the vine. The sign reads: “My name: Solanum cornelio­mulleri. My lab: Julkowska and Restrepo Labs. I want to: Teach valuable lessons from my skills of surviving drought and pathogen attacks.”

Groundcherry Alt text: Chalkboard-style sign next to a photo of a green groundcherry fruit encased in its papery husk. The sign reads: “My name: Groundcherry. My lab: Van Eck Lab. I want to: Stop dropping my fruit to the ground.”

Cotton Alt text: Chalkboard-style sign next to a close-up of a large cotton plant leaf. The sign reads: “My name: Cotton. My lab: Nelson Lab. I want to: Make the fabric of your lives, but with less water!”

orn (Maize) Alt text: Chalkboard-style sign next to an ear of corn with multicolored kernels on the stalk. The sign reads: “My name: Corn (Maize). My lab: Stern Lab. I want to: Grow better in the cold, with help from miscanthus, a grass that thrives in chilly weather, to guide me toward chilling-tolerant photosynthesis.”

Your feed is probably full of #BackToSchool posts with kids sharing their dreams and goals for the future. We thought it would be fun to check in with our plants too! Just like those heading back to school, our plants also are hard at work chasing big goals.

YouTube video by WSKG Education Plant Phenotyping Lab | Boyce Thompson Institute | WSKG Excursion Lab

WSKG visited BTI for their Excursion Lab Series. In part one, Dr. Magdalena Julkowska introduces phenotyping, using imaging to track plant growth, health & adaptation.
youtu.be/tGs-caursWw?...

Planting the future: Students dive into CROPPS summer research | Cornell Chronicle Over the summer, thirteen undergraduates from across the country came to Ithaca to participate in the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems’ Research Experience for Undergraduates to work ...

This summer, undergrads from across the U.S. joined the NSF-funded CROPPS REU, working on cutting-edge projects in digital biology. Through mentorship, workshops, & lab experience, they gained skills and confidence in the future of plant science.

news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...

Our summer researchers brought plant science to 90 campers at the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County! Younger kids explored nature with bingo and leaf-press art, while older campers learned to ID trees and made UV leaf prints. A day full of discovery, creativity, and the wonder of plants!

Check out this awesome video recap of the Summer Research Experience program created by REU student Camila Hoyos Ayala! Are you an alum of our summer research program? If so, what is one of your favorite memories?

Video by Camila Hoyos Ayala.

Our summer undergrads joined OCM BOCES’ CHIPS Camp at TC3, sparking 7th-graders’ excitement with strawberry DNA extractions and a plant-insect game (fun fact: crickets hear with their legs!). Thanks to OCM BOCES + TC3 for hosting an inspiring camp.

Microscopic image of intestinal tissue in teal with yellow and magenta highlights, representing microbiota. White text at the top reads: ‘New Grant May Accelerate Research into Microbiota and Human Health

Congrats to Drs. David Artis & Chun-Jun Guo (@weillcornell.bsky.social) and Frank Schroeder (BTI) on the 2025 Biocodex International Microbiota Grant! Their work will advance research on how microbes shape health & disease. medicine.weill.cornell.edu/news/new-gra...

#GutMicrobiome

Promotional graphic for a “CRISPR Help Session” webinar on September 18 at 2:00 PM ET. The event is described as an interactive Q&A where attendees can ask experts questions. Topics include gRNA design, vector construction, and plant transformation. The image features headshots of speakers: Colby Starker (University of Minnesota), Erik Myers (University of Minnesota), and Josh Clem (University of Maryland), along with the PlantGENE Steering Committee logo. The background has a blue and black abstract pattern, and a Zoom logo appears at the bottom left.

Upcoming Event: #CRISPR Help Session!

Join an interactive Q&A with experts on gRNA design, vector cloning, and plant transformation. Move between breakout rooms, ask your questions, and get direct answers.

Register: lnkd.in/e3uquHAi

YouTube video by BTIScience Sophia Speller - REU Profile 2025

A day in the life of a BTI REU student at Cornell, studying carbon allocation in grapevines: root exudates, growth, morphology, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis.

Video by Sophia Speller

Speller:https://youtube.com/shorts/OVBmDktyfrs

BTI, Meiogenix and FFAR Announce $2 Million Breakthrough Tomato Genetics Collaboration New research project to develop drought- and disease-resistant tomatoes, advancing food security through innovative genomics research.

We’re proud to lead the pangenome approach powering this research collaboration with Meiogenix and FFAR. Our multidisciplinary team is screening hundreds of wild tomato species to map valuable traits for drought and disease resistance. #PlantScience

news.btiscience.org/252915-bti-m...

YouTube video by BTIScience Allison Edited

Meet Allison Kokal, an REU student at BTI and Cornell University with the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS). This summer, she’s exploring tomato plant cross-pollinations! 🍅

youtu.be/g8mnOgjGaAA

#PlantScience

Decoding Sweetpotato DNA: New Research Reveals Surprising Ancestry BTI scientists unraveled sweetpotato's complex genome, revealing an intricate origin story and providing powerful tools to help improve this vital crop.

BREAKTHROUGH: BTI scientists have created the first complete genetic makeup of a sweetpotato genome—all 90 chromosomes! 🧬 This could fast-track breeding of drought-resistant, nutritious crops for millions. The future of food just got a boost. 🍠
news.btiscience.org/252852-decod...

#PlantScience

A digital flyer for the George and Helen Kohut Student Symposium hosted by the Boyce Thompson Institute. The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 7th, from 9:30 to 4:00. The schedule includes: 9:00 AM: Welcome Breakfast in BTI’s Lobby and main entrance 9:30 AM: Welcome in BTI’s Auditorium 9:50 AM: Student Presentations in BTI’s Auditorium by Hazel Frans, Nicholas Pratt, Devin Atalay, and Zainab Syed 11:00 AM: Lunch outside the main entrance of BTI, front lawn, and Room 215 11:30 AM: Student Presentations – Poster Session 1 in BTI’s Lobby, Atrium, and Second Floor Design elements include green accents and a faint plant-like background pattern.

Continuation of the symposium schedule with a green "THANK YOU" box expressing appreciation for the support of labs, faculty PIs, mentors, and the Cornell and BTI community. Afternoon events include: 1:00 PM: Student Presentations – Poster Session 2 in BTI’s Lobby, Atrium, and Second Floor 2:30 PM: Student Presentations in BTI’s Auditorium by Loghan Holland, Oscar De La Torre, and Abby Stathis 4:00 PM: Cake! Outside BTI’s main entrance, front lawn, and Room 215 The bottom of the flyer features logos for CROPPS, USDA, Cornell University, and NSF, with a note about NSF and USDA funding.

Join us today for the George and Helen Kohut Symposium, in-person or on Zoom, starting at 9:30! This annual event celebrates the innovation, curiosity, and achievements of our summer researchers!

btiscience.org/event/2025-g...

#PlantScience