We are always considering new lab members at any level! If you are excited about synthetic biology and protein engineering with applications in agriculture and sustainability, please contact us and include your CV and a statement of collaborative research interests and previous experiences.
If you are interested in contributing to our research as a graduate student with a backgroud in any related field you are welcome to apply One interesting aspect of my group is that depending on your background and the "field" you want to have written on your degree there are a few ways to apply to work in my lab.
You can apply to my department, Biological Systems Engineering (https://www.bse.vt.edu/graduate.html). Our department's admission process is direct acceptance into a lab group, so I have the most say in your acceptance if you apply to BSE. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in engineering and/or you want to receive a PhD in Biological Systems Engineering this is probably the most direct route to a PhD. Although, if you don't have a prior engineering degree this might require some additional coursework.
You can also apply to the VT Translational Plant Sciences (TPS) Center (https://translationalplantsci.fralinlifesci.vt.edu/graduate-program.html). This is one of our interdisciplinary graduate education programs, which provides your tuition and stipend during your first year, and gives you the opportunity to rotate in different labs within the program. TPS is not a degree granting program, so once you join a lab you join the department affiliated with that lab. So joining my lab through TPS you could still get a degree in BSE, or I have previously discussed getting affiliate status in Biochemistry or Plant and Environmental Sciences so that students in my group could get their PhDs through these departments.
You can also apply to the VT Genomics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (GBCB) Program (https://gbcb.graduateschool.vt.edu/). This program is degree granting (so your PhD would be in GBCB). This might be the most flexible route to a PhD in my group avoiding some engineering requirements.
Regardless of the program through which you apply as a member of my group you are affiliated with these programs and are invited to attend professional development and social events these programs host.
Assistant Professor
Office: 301 E Human and Agricultural Biosciences Building,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
1230 Washington St SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061
Office Numbers: 540-231-4546
Email: wrightrc(at)vt.edu
Google Scholar: RC Wright
Twitter: @rclaywright