Transdisciplinary Graduate Training in Predictive Plant Phenomics

Authors

Carolyn J. Lawrence-Dill, Iowa State UniversityFollow
Theodore J. Heindel, Iowa State UniversityFollow
Patrick S. Schnable, Iowa State UniversityFollow
Stephanie J. Strong, University of Northern IowaFollow
Jill Wittrock, University of Northern IowaFollow
Mary E. Losch, University of Northern IowaFollow
Julie A. Dickerson, Iowa State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Keywords

T-training; trans-disciplinary; phenomics; training; graduate; education

Journal/Book/Conference Title Title

Agronomy

Volume

8

Issue

5

Abstract

Novel methods to increase crop productivity are required to meet anticipated demands for food, feed, fiber, and fuel. It is becoming feasible to use modern sensors and data analysis techniques for predicting plant growth and productivity based on genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data. To design and construct crops that deliver desired traits requires trained personnel with scientific and engineering expertise as well as a variety of “soft” skills. To address these needs at Iowa State University, we developed a graduate specialization called “Predictive Plant Phenomics” (P3). Although some of our experiences may be unique, many of the specialization’s principles are likely to be broadly applicable to others interested in developing graduate training programs in plant phenomics. P3 involves transdisciplinary training and activities designed to develop communication, teambuilding, and management skills. To support students in this demanding and unique intellectual environment, we established a two-week boot camp before their first semester and founded a community of practice to support students throughout their graduate careers. Assessments show that P3 students understand the transdisciplinary training concepts, have formed a beneficial and supportive community, and interact with diverse faculty outside of their home departments. To learn more about the P3 program, visit www.predictivephenomicsinplants.iastate.edu.

Department

Department of Political Science

Department

Department of Psychology

Comments

First published in Agronomy, v. 8, no.5 (May 2018), article 73, published by MDPI, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy8050073

Original Publication Date

5-2018

DOI of published version

10.3390/agronomy8050073

Repository

UNI ScholarWorks, University of Northern Iowa, Rod Library

Copyright

© 2018 Carolyn J. Lawrence-Dill, Theodore J. Heindel, Patrick S. Schnable, Stephanie J. Strong, Jill Wittrock, Mary E. Losch, and Julie A. Dickerson. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Date Digital

2018

Language

EN

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Lawrence-Dill, Carolyn J.; Heindel, Theodore J.; Schnable, Patrick S.; Strong, Stephanie J.; Wittrock, Jill; Losch, Mary E.; and Dickerson, Julie A., "Transdisciplinary Graduate Training in Predictive Plant Phenomics" (2018). Faculty Publications. 3.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pol_facpub/3