Louisiana State University summer research 2009

The institution: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The program:

• Individual research with mentors


• $3,500 stipend, with housing provided


• Course credit


• 1 June to 31 July 2009

Requirements: Life Sciences or Chemistry Major, 3.0 GPA, have completed Introductory Biology & Chemistry coursework, plan to pursue higher degree

Deadline: 11 February 2009

More information: http://www.biology.lsu.edu/hhmiprog/undergrad/

UT Southwestern Medical Center SURF

The institution: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

The program:

• Ten week program from 1 June 2009 to 7 August 2009


• Individual laboratory research projects with UT Southwestern Graduate School faculty members


• Research areas include modern cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology are represented


• Includes seminars, GRE prep course, social events, and an end-of-program poster session


• $4,000 stipend ($5,250 in support if housing is needed)

Requirements: Enrolled in a natural science degree program at the undergraduate level and have completed the sophomore year.

Application deadline: 9 February 2009

More information: http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/SURF or email surf@utsouthwestern.edu

Rice IBB Summer Undergraduate Internship Programs

The institution: Rice University, Houston, TX.

The program: There are two programs, one in cellular engineering and one in bionanotechnology.

More information:

REU in Cellular Engineering: http://cohesion.rice.edu/naturalsciences/nsfreu/index.cfm?doc_id=11338

HHMI program in Bionanotechnology: http://cohesion.rice.edu/naturalsciences/hhmi/index.cfm?doc_id=10945

Application deadline: 13 February 2009.

More reporting on Dr. Bement's visit

The front page of the UTPA website has a story describing NSF director Arden Bement's recent visit. The REU program featured quite prominently in the article:

Ashley Longoria, a sophomore from Weslaco majoring in biology, was a co-presenter on one of the winning posters and had an opportunity to discuss her research with Bement. Longoria is a participant in UTPA’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program, an NSF-funded program which supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the NSF. The award to UTPA – Research in Subtropical Biology at a Hispanic Gateway Institution – allows Longoria and other students to work side-by-side with faculty mentors in conducting research and creating new knowledge. The goal of REU is to prepare students to enter graduate school and ultimately enter careers in research and technology.

Longoria said they talked about her research – the effect of low salinity conditions on snails after Hurricane Dolly -- and her future goals.

“I thought Dr. Bement was very one-on-one, wanted to listen and to understand everyone’s different projects. I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. It was like talking to my grandfather or my dad. It was an honor to talk to him,” she said.

Longoria said she told Bement that through her participation in the REU program, she learned how much she enjoyed research and discovery and has since switched from a premed major to wanting to be a scientist.

REU student Ashely Longoria is becoming a veritable poster woman, having featured on the front page twice in recent weeks -- once for winning the poster competition, now for meeting with Dr. Bement...

Front row seats

A few past and present REU students -- Cassandra Rivas, Jess Valdez, and Stehanie Castellanos -- got to meet and greet Jeff Corwin before his presentation at UTPA last night. Just another little perk to the program!