banner

James Madison University Logo

   
 
title



A renewal proposal for a similar program is pending as of
January 2010.  Please check back soon.  

The new title, if funded, will be "Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Training for Undergraduates in the Shenandoah Valley"  
For more
information please contact Robyn Puffenbarger.




Home

Application

Research

Calendar

Galleries

Contact


Summer 2009 will mark the 6th 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:
 
$4,500 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 27, 2009
Notification of acceptance: April 10, 2009
On site: May 17-July 25, 2009


po13

Other summer research programs in the sciences at JMU:

            

google

For information contact:
Sheila Santee, Burruss 105
540-568-6225 or 6733
Dept. Fax: 540-568-3333
Web site maintained by:

Jon Monroe
Mailing address:
Department of Biology
MSC 7801
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA  22807   USA
Express mailing address:
Department of Biology
Burruss Hall, Room 101
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA  22807   USA

                                                     @ 2005-2009, Department of Biology. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement