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Hartsville, S.C. — Jessica Winburn, a Coker College senior biology major from Hartsville, recently participated in an internship that any young scientist would envy: working at a prestigious institute with one of the world’s leading biotechnology researchers.

Winburn spent 11 weeks in the summer working in the laboratory of Dr. Roger Beachy at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis. Beachy, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, is internationally renowned for his groundbreaking research in developing virus-resistant plants. Winburn’s research project, “Application of a Plant Gene-Switching System to Study Epicuticular Wax accumulation,” may help lead to the development of drought and pathogen resistant crops.

“It was a unique and enriching internship,” said Winburn. “I was able to experience leading-edge research science conducted at a premier institution. It opened my eyes to what I want to do after I graduate from Coker.”

Founded in 1998, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute with a global vision to enhance the nutritional content of plants to improve human health, and increase agricultural production to create a sustainable food supply.

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September 19, 2006