2020 Integrated Plant Systems – Undergraduate Research Experience

The 2020 Integrated Plant Systems – Undergraduate Research Experience (IPS-URE) students worked throughout the summer of 2020 with IPREFER research team members to develop pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) as an eco-friendly biofuel crop for agroecosystems in the Midwest. 

IPREFER researchers provided mentoring and research training opportunities and activities to these undergraduates. Students were able to interact with scientists from diverse fields, including individuals with commercial interests in plant-based biofuel development. 

The IPS-URE goal is to help students gain technical skills and interdisciplinary competencies, which will equip them for work on bio-based solutions to food, energy, and environmental challenges. We anticipate having additional IPS-URE summer programs in 2021-2023. Program announcements will be made each winter. For information, contact Anne Kinzel, IPREFER Program Manager (anne.kinzel@iprefercap.org)

Claire Biel
IPS-URE Intern

Pennycress Weed Suppression
University of Minnesota
(Cody Hoerning)

Claire Biel presents her work on pennycress weed suppression at the 2020 IPREFER annual meeting.

Serena Gjesvold
IPS-URE Research Fellow

Pennycress Genetics
University of Minnesota
(Ratan Chopra)

IPS-URE Research Fellow Serena Gjesvold (University of Minnesota) presents her work on pennycress genetics at the 2020 IPREFER annual meeting

Alex Hafner
IPS-URE Research Fellow

Pennycress Breeding & Genetics
CoverCress, Inc.
(Chris Aulbach)

Alex Hafner presents his work on pennycress genetics and breeding at CoverCress, Inc. at the IPREFER annual meeting.

Justin Larkin
IPS-URE Research Fellow

Pennycress Genetics and Breeding
CoverCress Inc.
(Chris Aulbach)

Justin Larkin presents his work working on pennycress genetics and breeding at the 2020 IPREFER annual meeting.

Cori Lee
IPS-URE Research Fellow

Pennycress Seed Pelletizing
The Ohio State University
(Alex Lindsey)

Cori Lee presents her work on pennycress seed pelletizing and seed treatment and germination trials at the 2020 IPREFER annual meeting.

Mitchell Polk
IPS-URE Intern

Pennycress Genetics 
University of Minnesota
(Ratan Chopra)

Mitchell Polk presents his work on pennycress genetics at the 2020 IPREFER annual meeting.

Joe Rickman
IPS-URE Intern

Pennycress Genetics 
University of Minnesota
(Ratan Chopra)

Joe Rickman presents his work on pennycress genetics at the 2020 IPREFER annual meeting.

Kayla Vittore
IPS-URE Research Fellow

Pennycress Pod Shatter
University of Minnesota
(Ratan Chopra)

Kayla Vittore presents her work on soybean cyst nematode lifecycle in pennycress at the 2020 IPREFER annual meeting.