How to find a Summer Research Experience

1. How to find a Summer Research Experience Dr. Valone Department of Biology Saint Louis University

2. Summer Research Opportunities National Science Foundation Program Research Experiences for Undergraduates Summer REU Programs http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp All fields of Biology (Molecular Biosciences, Biochemistry, Ecology, Evolution, Microbiology, etc.) Universities (& Medical Schools) in the U.S. but some are located in foreign countries. 146 REU opportunities are currently listed on the NSF site

3. NSF Summer REU Programs Involves student research guided by a mentor: - 10 week program • $5,000 stipend • Free housing, food stipend • Some travel money - May go to a scientific conference - Often present your results at a research day

4. NSF REU website

6. Brandeis University REU – Visual Sciences • 10-week period May 28th - August 1st, 2014. A $5,000 stipend, plus housing costs and meal allowances is awarded to each student. • Students will be matched with a faculty researcher, who will mentor the student through an independent research project. Students will develop a written synopsis of their summer work and will participate in a capstone symposium including poster presentations. • Applications and all supporting materials are due February 15, 2014. • Be prepared to answer the following two essay questions: • Describe your previous research experience. Be sure to include institution name, lab/PI name and dates for each experience (optional). • Describe your academic and research goals. Be sure to include how participation in this program would help you achieve these goals. • A digital, unofficial complete transcript, including fall semester grades of the current year. • Recommendation letters from two faculty members. Letters must be submitted from a university email address with "REU Recommendation" and the Student's name in the subject heading.

7. NSF Summer REU Programs How do I apply? 1. Find a program (NSF web site) 2. Apply on-line - Applications are typically due in the spring (February - April)

8. NSF Summer REU Programs How do I get in? 1. Find a program whose research area matches your interests. 2. Contact the listed primary or secondary contact person on the website. - Are they taking students this summer? - What are they looking for in potential students?

9. NSF Summer REU Programs Applications: - Find faculty who can write strong letters of recommendation - Work on your statement of research experience and academic, career, and research goals. How will the REU help you achieve your goals?

10. Local Research Opportunities • The St. Louis region has many opportunities for summer research in the life sciences • Many are internship programs

11. Local Internship Programs • Missouri Botanical Garden (Research and Education Internships) • http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/about/additional-information/internships.aspx • Horticulture Internships • Shaw Nature Reserve • Litzinger Road Ecology Center • The Butterfly House • Seed Bank Program 12 Week programs (mid-May – Mid-August) Paid positions: 40 hours per week

12. Local Internship Programs • St. Louis Zoo • http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/scienceresearch/researchinternships/ • Summer Research Internship program 20 hours per week 6 weeks minimum No stipend, credit possible Research on Behavior, Endocrinology, Reproduction, Nutrition, Conservation

13. Local Internship Programs • Missouri Department of Conservation • Internship opportunities available periodically • http://mdc.mo.gov/about-us/careers/internships • Paid and unpaid internships available • Monsanto • Summer internship program • http://jobs.monsanto.com/search/intern • Seed Physiology, Plant chemistry, Genome data, Vegetable breeding, Molecular genotyping, …

14. Local Internship ProgramsDanforth Center 11 week summer program • Partially funded by NSF REU • http://www.danforthcenter.org/education-outreach/research-internships • Bioremediation, Bioenergy, Cellular signaling, Structural biology, etc.

15. Local Internship ProgramsPfizer Pharmaceutical • Summer internships typically offer full-time (40 hours per week) experiential training opportunities for a period of 12 weeks. • http://www.amcp.org/amcp-foundation/internship/pfizer-summer/ • Online application available in December

16. Local Internship ProgramsSigma-Aldrich • Requirements include: * Completion of at least one year of college education before beginning internship * Excellent academic record * Demonstrated core competencies, communication, and leadership skills http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/site-level/career-opportunites/coop-program.html  Areas: Enzyme Analysis, Chromatography, Molecular Biology, Wet Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology.

17. Local Internship ProgramsSLU Biology Labs • Many opportunities to get involved in research here in Macelwane or in the field with SLU Biology faculty • Check out Faculty member’s interests on the Biology Website and contact the person via email • Drop by their lab and ask about possible opportunities • Many students volunteer before getting paid positions • Senior Inquiry • Persistence pays off!