Summer Research Programs for Undergraduates in Biology

University of Oregon

• Undergraduates interested in various biology research areas, such as molecular biology, neurobiology and cell biology can apply to the University of Oregon's Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR). SPUR participants spend about 10 weeks on the university's Eugene, Oregon, campus, conducting research projects, attending faculty seminars and career development workshops. They also receive research paper writing training and the opportunity to present their work. An undergraduate symposium gives students practice in making a formal presentation. Applicants who are rising college sophomores, juniors or seniors are welcome to apply and students who are members of underrepresented minority groups or come from low-income groups are given special consideration. Students selected for the program receive a stipend and a voucher for travel to and from Oregon.

  University of Oregon
  Summer Program for Undergraduate Research
  1254 University of Oregon
  Eugene, OR 97403-1254
  541-346-4518
  biology.uoregon.edu

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• College sophomores and juniors who have taken introductory biology courses and are interested in research careers are encouraged to apply to the summer research program in biological sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The 10-week program gives participants research and training in one of 70 labs at MIT. Training is available in numerous areas including genetics, infectious disease, microbiology and immunology. They discuss career plans with faculty members and attend weekly seminars covering topics such as graduate school applications and making presentations. Before leaving the program, students present their research and submit a short paper and summary of their MIT experience. Participants live on campus for the duration of the program and receive a weekly stipend, along with a travel allowance to and from MIT's Cambridge, Massachusetts campus.

  MIT Department of Biology
  31 Ames Street, 68-132
  Cambridge, MA 02139
  617-253-4701
  web.mit.edu

University of Wisconsin-Madison

• The 10-week research program in biological sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison allows students to carry out independent research projects under the supervision of faculty mentors. Available areas of research include neurobiology, ecology and molecular biology. Students from all research areas participate in a weekly group meeting and prepare written and oral presentations of their research findings. College sophomores, juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply. The program encourages minority applicants and students from smaller colleges without extensive research facilities. Students accepted into the program receive a $4,300 stipend, and receive a full allowance for travel, housing and health allowance; a partial food allowance is also available.

  University of Wisconsin-Madison
  Center for Biology Education
  Room 114, 445 Henry Mall
  608-262-5478
  cbe.wisc.edu