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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 
Plant and Microbial Biology

World Renowned Research

José Alonso, a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor and University Faculty Scholar in the Department Plant and Microbial Biology, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the world’s most important and influential scientific societies. 

Explore his Work 

Leaders in Our Field

Plants and microbes are the foundation of life. Advancing discoveries in plant research is essential to civilization, and that’s exactly what we do.

Our undergraduate and graduate students participate in research projects across an array of plant and microbiology disciplines — everything from biotechnology and cell biology to ecology and systematics. Students learn from experts who specialize not only in agriculturally important crops, but also those found in natural ecosystems, and model plants and microorganisms.

About the Department
Three people examine plants in a large, lighted chamber.

PMB Seminars

Seminars are held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of the month at 12:00 pm in the Stephens Room, Thomas Hall. Lunch is served along with the seminar. Want to receive announcements of our seminars? Email Dwayne Barnes ([email protected]).

See Seminar Schedule 
Scientists working in the lab

Research and Employment Opportunities

Our department blends fundamental principles with application, research and innovative teaching in an effort to think and do the extraordinary.

Join Our Department 

News posts

All News
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2026 CALS Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Honored

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences celebrated its alumni award winners on Sept. 18. From the field to the lab, find out how they’re making an impact. 
a group of people stand in front of a building with red signs that say nc state university college of agriculture and life sciences

NC State Alumnus Establishes Full Scholarship for Undergraduate Students in Agriculture Majors

A $10 million gift from NC State alumnus David Peele will give students from eastern North Carolina the opportunity to attend NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with the full cost of attendance covered – and spend four years immersed in the research, mentorship and experiences preparing them to lead the future of agriculture. 
Three people sit around a table conversing.

Defining a Future Career

Kaleb Harmon is entering his second year of the Masters of Microbial Biotechnology (MMB) Program at NC State with newfound enthusiasm about his future career. 

Upcoming Events

All Events
Sep 29

Tuesday

Wellness Day
Oct 01

Thursday12:00 PM

M3 Seminar: Talks by Members of the Theriot Lab
Oct 05

Monday2:00 PM

Discover NC PSI

Connect With Us

Stay current on the latest news from our department and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) by subscribing to CALS Weekly, delivered to your inbox every Thursday.

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Student checks on her plants' growth in a Thomas Hall lab.

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🦠 Join us for a PMB Department Seminar with Theriot Lab members Abigail Gancz and Noah Lyons. Learn how Enterobacteriaceae use (acyl)carnitines to prime hosts for C. difficile infection and how Lachnospiraceae bile salt hydrolases regulate C. difficile pathogenesis.

🕒The seminar will take place on October 1, 2026 from 12-1 PM in 3503 Thomas Hall (Stephens Room)

#NCSU #ThinkandDo #PlantBiology #Microbiology #SeminarSeries

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Open post by ncsupmb with ID 18108472922224110
🦠 Join us for a PMB Department Seminar with Theriot Lab members Abigail Gancz and Noah Lyons. Learn how Enterobacteriaceae use (acyl)carnitines to prime hosts for C. difficile infection and how Lachnospiraceae bile salt hydrolases regulate C. difficile pathogenesis. 🕒The seminar will take place on October 1, 2026 from 12-1 PM in 3503 Thomas Hall (Stephens Room) #NCSU #ThinkandDo #PlantBiology #Microbiology #SeminarSeries

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🤔Considering a major or minor in Plant Biology and want to learn more about the program? Stop by our table at the Majors and Minors Fair hosted by @ncstateexploratory

🌱We’ll be in the Talley Ballroom on Monday September 28th from 1:00pm - 4:00pm and would love to meet you. Learn about our curriculum, classes, research opportunities, and career pathways. This is a great opportunity to talk to our faculty and current students who will be available to share their experiences, answer questions, and help you decide if Plant Biology is the right fit for you.

#NCSU #ThinkandDo #PlantBiology #ExploreatoryStudies

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Open post by ncsupmb with ID 18071894612735939
🤔Considering a major or minor in Plant Biology and want to learn more about the program? Stop by our table at the Majors and Minors Fair hosted by @ncstateexploratory 🌱We’ll be in the Talley Ballroom on Monday September 28th from 1:00pm - 4:00pm and would love to meet you. Learn about our curriculum, classes, research opportunities, and career pathways. This is a great opportunity to talk to our faculty and current students who will be available to share their experiences, answer questions, and help you decide if Plant Biology is the right fit for you. #NCSU #ThinkandDo #PlantBiology #ExploreatoryStudies

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