PhD Field of Plant Biology

Revealing fundamental principles of plant biology and evolution

Graduate study in Cornell's Integrative School of Plant Science is organized into five Graduate Fields providing unparalleled opportunities to connect disciplines, creatively solve problems, and integrate complex systems, preparing graduates for diverse careers and futures as leaders in science and society.

Programs in the Field of Plant Biology range from the molecular/genetic investigation of fundamental plant processes and mathematical modeling of plant development to study of plant diversity and evolution. Most of the faculty advisors in the Field of Plant Biology are affiliated with the Section of Plant Biology in the School of Integrative Plant Science. The Graduate Field of Plant Biology encompasses a broad range of topics.

Grand Challenge Fellowships

In 2024 and 2025, the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) offered a total of seven two-year fellowships to graduate students for research tackling our Grand Challenges. Funding and application deadline for 2026 round is to be determined. Learn more about SIPS Grand Challenge Fellowships.

Apply to the Graduate Field of Plant Biology

three people examining plants on a desk

Development, organelle biology, evolution and diversity, or systems biology - our students are making breakthroughs in many important research areas of plant biology

Program metrics, demographics and outcomes

Select the graduate field of interest from the pull-down menu on the linked page


Contact Us

Karin Jantz
Graduate Field Coordinator
233 Emerson Hall
Phone: 607-255-4075
Email: kpg2 [at] cornell.edu (kpg2[at]cornell[dot]edu)

Adrienne Roeder
Director of Graduate Studies
239 Weill Hall
Phone: 607-255-4467
Email: ahr75 [at] cornell.edu (ahr75[at]cornell[dot]edu)

More information about graduate study in Plant Biology

See these links for information specific to MS/PhD studies in the Field of Plant Biology

Learn more about graduate study in SIPS

Five interrelated Graduate Fields are associated with the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) with many resources common to all