Advancing agriculture in a changing world starts with curiosity—the drive to ask questions, explore possibilities, and reimagine what’s possible.
CROPPS nurtures this curiosity by providing training and resources that empower participants to explore the complexities of programmable plant systems, a transdiscipline combining plant science, agriculture, engineering, robotics and the social sciences. Through courses, workshops, and hands-on learning, we cultivate foundational knowledge, foster collaboration, and develop the skills needed for original discovery. Our programs combine technical expertise with ethical responsibility and public engagement, turning curiosity into meaningful change.
CROPPS courses and tutorials deliver essential knowledge across biology, engineering, computing, and social science. Participants gain a shared scientific language, technical skills, and the ability to synthesize ideas across disciplines. This foundation empowers trainees to think critically, formulate new research directions, and design innovative approaches within collaborative teams.
Collaboration is at the heart of CROPPS’ educational philosophy. Through structured team learning, participants develop the skills needed for effective, inclusive teamwork. This includes fostering respectful dialogue, holistic mentoring, and creating environments where all team members thrive. By practicing team science, trainees learn how to navigate differences in background, identity, hierarchy, and discipline to build healthy, productive research teams.
Education at CROPPS goes beyond the classroom. Through real-world research in the lab, field, and classroom, participants engage in cycles of design, build, test, and learn. Trainees practice designing and executing original research, mentoring across disciplines, and communicating their findings to diverse audiences. From K-12 outreach to undergraduate research programs like our REU initiative, CROPPS connects learners at every level with meaningful opportunities to explore digital biology in action.
CROPPS offers a variety of courses and workshops that span topics like plant science measurement, machine learning, experimental design, and the frontiers of digital biology. These programs provide both depth and breadth, equipping CROPPS participants with the knowledge and skills to lead in this transformative field.
