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Summer 2008 will mark the 5th year of an REU
program in
Biology at James Madison
University since 2002. This program, hosted by the biology
departments at JMU, Bridgewater College and Eastern
Mennonite University, will bring 12
undergraduate students to the Shenandoah
Valley for 10 weeks of research in molecular biology.
Overview:
This REU program
is intended for students wanting an intensive research experience who
are from colleges or universities where there are
limited summer research opportunities. Here, students will work
with a faculty mentor in a laboratory that uses the tools and
techniques of molecular biology to address questions at a wide range of
levels including genes, cells, tissues, organisms and ecosystems.
Our goal is
for each student to develop independence as a researcher by conducting
his/her own research project, gaining skills in the laboratory, being
exposed to the primary literature, participating in scientific
presentations, and discussions.
In addition to
the
research projects, the program
will include several workshops, seminars and social programs (including
a canoe trip) to help
students develop camaraderie with peers and mentors and more deeply
appreciate the broad use of molecular biology tools.
Objectives of the REU program:
1. To provide 12 participating students
with research experiences as they work
with faculty who are
experienced undergraduate research mentors
2. To expose students to ethical
issues in science
3. To give students practice in communicating scientific
ideas
4. To
give students opportunities to observe how biology is becoming
more
integrated, collaborative, and interdisciplinary
Eligibility:
Applicants must
have at
least one year of
college-level chemistry, one year of college-level biology, and minimum
overall GPA of 2.75. The NSF REU program can only support
citizens and permanent residents of the United States. High
school graduates who have not yet enrolled and students who have
already received their bachelor's degrees are not eligible.
Minority
students are especially encouraged to apply.
Support
for
students:
-
$4,250 stipend
- $1,000 to purchase research lab
supplies
for the summer
- free housing (double occupancy)
and a meal
allowance
($500)
- reimbursement for some travel
expense to
and from JMU (up to $300)
- reimbursement for presenting
their work
at scientific meetings
2008 Dates:
Application
deadline: February 29, 2008
Notification of acceptance: April 15,
2008
On site: May 18-July
26, 2008
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