9602223 Wessler This award provides additional support for a multidisciplinary training research training program focused on the mechanisms of plant evolution. The program, a joint effort of 9 faculty from three departments, aims to educate and train students in plant systematics, population biology and molecular genetics. Following three lab rotations and appropriate coursework, graduate students undertake interdisciplinary thesis projects that are meant to span at least two of the three focal areas. Advanced students are required to undertake an internship with a participating faculty member whose expertise is complementary to that of their thesis advisor. This internship occurs during the period when thesis research is underway, and is meant to include studies integral to the thesis., thereby facilitating interdisciplinary projects. In addition, the program provides training of undergraduate students through a summer intern program targeted at students at the University of Georgia and nearby colleges.
