Summer Research
Many private foundations, hospitals, and universities have their own
undergraduate research programs too, so Google can be a great place to
search for such programs.
Our students also compete successfully for research slots at the
Greenwood Genetics Center, the Medical University of South Carolina, and
others in state.
Several students have conducted research projects with Wofford
professors, as well, and you can apply for grant funding from the South
Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (see Dr. Goldey for more
information).
Be sure to tell your biology advisor of your interest so that we can talk with you about the possibilities.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
If you are interested in summer research opportunities, a good place
to start is to explore the Research Experiences for Undergraduates that
are available throughout the country. http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5047
Sophomores and Juniors seeking paid research experience during the summer can look at the list posted on the NSF webpage.
Browse the list of research topics and locations where you can pursue research under the mentorship of an REU faculty advisor.
Most of the REUs pay for your travel to and from the university where you would be studying, provide a 10 week stipend, and allow you to interact regularly with other REU students and research faculty in social and academic settings.
The application process for each REU is listed on its website. Application deadlines are typically February 1, though they vary from program to program.
Topics range from studying whale and shark physiology and ecology off the coast of Alaska to developing aerosols to combat bioterrorism to every sort of molecular biology issue you can image. Biology majors should seriously consider this as a wonderful way to have an enjoyable, productive, and profitable summer.
Medical University of South Carolina
www.musc.edu/grad/surp
Application Deadline: February 1
The College of Graduate Studies at the Medical University of South Carolina offers a Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) for qualified undergraduates who are interested in pursuing research careers as PhD or MD/Phd candidates
Students may work with faculty on cutting-edge research in the disciplines of:
* Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
* Biostatistics, Bioinformatics & Epidemiology
* Cancer Biology
* Cardiovascular Biology
* Cell & Molecular Pharmacology
* Cell Signaling
* Genetics & Gene Medicine
* Marine Biomedicine
* Microbiology & Immunology
* Neurosciences/Substance Abuse/High Resolution Brain Imaging
* Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
* Pharmaceutical Sciences
* Proteomics
* Structural & Chemical Biology
Students and faculty discussing their research
The SURP program runs for ten weeks beginning somewhere between June 2, 2008 and August 8, 2008. All candidates accepted to the MUSC SURP must be able to attend during this time frame. Students are awarded a position based on their motivation and desire to enter a career in Biomedical Research.
SURP Highlights
In most instances, students are placed in a laboratory working in an area of the student's stated interest. Each student is given his/her own project and is expected to perform as a graduate student. Students will present their research at a Power Point Session at the end of the summer.
There is a seminar series component to the program, which gives students an overview of the many research areas available for study in Biomedical Research.
Charleston, SC is a beautiful place in which to spend a summer. During free time students may enjoy the many historical and cultural aspects of the area, or even just enjoy a trip to one of the beautiful area beaches.
Wadsworth Center
http://www.wadsworth.org/educate/undergrd.htm
Application Deadline: February 1
REU Program at Wadsworth Center
The Wadsworth Center participates in the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students are selected from colleges across the country to work for 10 weeks (from early June through mid-August) on independent research projects in the laboratories of Wadsworth scientists. Students will directly participate in research on:
Research
* Basic immunology and host defense
* Microscopy and computer image analysis of cells and macromolecules
* Gene expression and regulation
* Protein biochemistry and structure analysis
* Viral mechanisms and mechanisms of immunity
* Neurobiology and neurotoxicology
* 2007 Research Projects and Mentors
* 2007 Research Experience for Undergraduates Student Symposium (PDF -- 303k)
More information about Albany, New York
* Absolutely Albany - Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau
* albany2go.com
* Guide to Albany
APPLICATION PROCESS
On-line applications for 2008 Research Experience will be accepted after November 15, 2007. If you are not entering your senior year, we encourage you to apply for the program next year.
Students are provided with travel costs, a food allowance and a stipend of $4500. (Pending renewal of NSF grant funding in December 2007) Students are housed within walking distance of the labs.
Application Process
1. Applicants are sought who are majoring in a natural science (usually biological sciences or chemistry); who will have completed their second or third year of study by the summer; and who are interested in attending graduate school with the goal of pursuing a career in science. Students graduating May 2008 are not eligible.
2. In addition to the on-line application, interested students should submit a resumé, official college transcripts, letters of recommendation from two faculty members, and a one-page statement describing why they want to participate in this program and stating their field of interest directly to the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
3. Applications are encouraged from students attending colleges with limited research opportunities and from students who are members of groups underrepresented in the sciences, such as women, racial minorities and the physically challenged.
4. Applicants must be citizens of the U.S. or permanent residents.
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Wadsworth Center, Room C-236
Empire State Plaza, Box 509
Albany, NY 12201-0509
Phone: (518) 473-7553
e-mail: reu@wadsworth.org .
Medical College of Georgia
www.mcg.edu/star/
Application Deadline: January 15
Welcome to STAR
Student Training And Research Program
▪ Choose an area of research that interests you
▪ Spend 10-weeks of your summer conducting biomedical research
▪ Attend exciting, interactive and informative workshops
▪ Prepare and present a poster showcasing your summer research accomplishments
▪ Establish friendships with STARs, faculty, staff and students that extend beyond STAR
▪ Get paid while you are learning and having fun!
In 2012 Chris Vinyard, a Wofford graduate, set up a program for one to two students to join him in an ongoing research
program studying howler monkeys in Costa Rica. Students interested in
this opportunity should contact Dr. Ellen Goldey (goldeyes@wofford.edu).