Discovering Pod Photosynthesis

Under the direction of Doug Allen, PhD, a team of scientists have discovered that pods, which protect developing seeds, play an underappreciated and significant role in photosynthesis. These findings challenge long-standing misconceptions and open new doors for improving crops and agriculture. Read more.

Future Scientists: Meet the 2023 REU Interns

Each summer, the Danforth Center’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, sets bright aspiring scientists up for success. Read our new blog post to meet some of this year’s team and learn how they hope to change the world.

ASL at the Danforth Center

Dr. Amie Fornah Sankoh made history this year when she became the first Deaf, Black woman to receive a PhD in any STEM discipline. This summer, Amie, along with two Deaf REU interns, started an American Sign Language (ASL) workshop for the Danforth Center community—helping to break down barriers and make science more inclusive. Read more.

Help Bring Allison to SXSW

The Danforth Center has partnered with the Taylor Geospatial Institute to propose a panel for SXSW 2024 featuring Danforth Center PI Allison Miller, PhD. Help us ensure this event reaches the global stage: create a free SXSW profile and vote for our panel: Techniculture: Geospatial Science Meets Farming. Voting ends August 20.

EVENTS: Conversations: Big Ideas 3.0 | August 31

Back by popular demand: three teams of Danforth Center scientists in a friendly competition, each presenting their big idea to address big challenges. The top team, selected by audience vote, receives a grant to pursue their idea. It’s TED Talk meets Shark Tank! Reservations are free, but required.

EVENTS: Party with the Plants | September 29

The Grow Challenge Week of Giving (see below) wraps with Party with the Plants. Join us for an evening of music, magic, mingling, and of course science demos! It’s all in support of a good cause. Learn more and get your tickets here (early bird tickets available now).

Join the Challenge! | Donate today

The Grow Challenge is an annual online fundraiser led by the Danforth Center Young Friends. This year they hope to raise $115,000 for science innovation and local education. Early donations are now being accepted. Visit danforthcenter.org/grow to give today, or text DANFORTH to 50155.

A New Gene Discovered

Danforth Center Named 2023 Top Workplace