Botanist

What Is A Botanist?

Botanists study the identification and classification of plant life, the structure and function of plant parts, the biochemistry of plant processes, and/or the causes and cures of plant diseases.

What Do Botanists Do?

• Research and classify plant species and communities
• Conduct experiments examining plant growth and species interactions
• Research processes and chemicals in the cells and DNA of plants
• Develop productive, disease resistant crops
• Grow, care for, and conduct experiments at botanical gardens, museums, etc.

Where Do Botanists Work?

Commonly botanists work for universities or research institutions. These positions are as professors or researchers. The public sector employs botanists at both state and federal levels. These positions are found in natural resource agencies such as the U.S. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Museums, botanical gardens and parks will also employ botanists.

Education

As with many fields of study, a Ph.D. is required to be a professor at a university. A Ph.D. or Master's degree is commonly required to do independent research at a private institution or for a government agency. A Bachelor's degree in botany or plant sciences provides a solid foundation for graduate study and also qualifies an individual to work as a laboratory or field technician.

For more information visit: The Botanical Society of America

Updated: June 2008

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