Research Opportunities at Member Institutions

Alfred University Alfred, NY	ARGUS (Alfred Research Grants to Undergraduate Students) Research outside the classroom is an integral part of the education at Alfred University. To help promote this, AU has set up a fund specifically for undergraduate students that wish to partake in their own research projects. Any student that wishes to use this fund must submit an application process and work with a faculty/staff advisor. More information can be found at http://las.alfred.edu/~argus/. All undergraduate students are eligible for this grant. Contact: Andrew Corman Engineering and Science Enrollment Specialist/ Admissions Counselor Phone: 607-871-2115 / 800-541-9229 Fax: 607-871-2198 E-mail: cormanac@alfred.edu
American University Washington, DC	CAS Dean’s Undergraduate Research Award Grants are for summer work on special investigations with faculty mentors. The awards include a $2000 stipend for each student, as well as support for research materials and faculty supervision. Extremely competitive selection process. Each of the Undergraduate Research recipients will present the results of their work ar next year’s Student Research Conference. The College of Arts and Sciences Student Research Conference is a day-long affair on with sessions representing mathematics and the sciences, arts and humanities, and social sciences. Presentations take a variety of forms, ranging from scholarly papers to poster sessions to creative works of poetry, plays and dance. Contact Information College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office Email: ask-cas@American.edu
Barry University Miami Shores, FL	Chemistry Research Research opportunities include NMR characterization of UV stabilized polymers and creatine monohydrate, and environmental analysis of heavy metals in soil and water. Eligibility Undergraduates must have an interest in science and at least completed general chemistry I and II. Contact: Dr. Tony Wallner Chair and Professor of Chemistry Phone: 305-899-3433 Email: twallner@mail.barry.edu Biomedical Research Examples of research include analysis of altered amino acids in dysfunctional systems such as Alzheimer brains and osteoarthritic knee cartilage. Eligibility Students must have completed general chemistry and organic chemistry. Minority students (Afro-American, Hispanic, Native American) can work 8 - 10 hours per week for pay. Contact: Dr. George Fisher Professor of Chemistry Phone: 305-899-3430 Email: gfisher@mail.barry.edu Physics and Mathematics Research For physics research, students generally study various problems that arise in connection with college/university physics courses, especially the laboratory component. Examples of mathematics research includes problems in number theory such as finding integer-sided triangles whose area is a multiple of perimeter. Contact: Dr. John F. Goehl, Jr. Professor Phone: 305-899-3436 Email: jgoehl@mail.barry.edu
Baylor College of Medicine	Honors Premedical Academy The HPA is a six-week academic summer program that provides opportunities for students to learn about medical careers, biomedical research, and the medical school admissions process. Participants will complete three courses for a total of nine semester hours of undergraduate credit. Courses include English 317: Medical Technical Communications; Biology 403: Human Structure and Function; and Allied Health Sciences 399: Preceptorship in the Health Sciences. Eligibility Applicants must have completed at least one year of college prior to entering the program. One year of college biology is strongly recommended. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale, and a science/math GPA of at least 2.75. In addition, applicants should have a combined SAT score of at least 1000 or combined ACT of at least 20. Participants must be a US citizen or permanent resident (i.e., green card holder). Contact: Pam Ferry or Liz Lopez Assistant Program Director and Program Coordinator Phone: 713-798-8200 or 800-798-8244 Email: mmep@bcm.tmc.edu
Boston University Boston, MA	Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is a University-wide academic program which promotes Boston University undergraduates' participation in faculty-mentored research projects across all disciplines throughout the calendar year. Boston University faculty members can submit undergraduate research opportunity listings to UROP year-round. UROP post these opportunities along with faculty research interests on the internet, and helps students apply for funding, and disseminate their research findings. UROP participants are sponsored by Boston University faculty members. They learn experientially through conducting actual research, and become acquainted with the entire research process. Eligibility Any full-time Boston University undergraduate who wishes to conduct a research project supervised by a Boston University faculty member is eligible to participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Depending upon the nature of the project, students may participate for course credit, for pay, or as volunteers. All projects must, however, be of a caliber that is worthy of academic credit. For more information, visit www.bu.edu/urop/. Contact: Dr. Sharon Prado Director Phone: 617-353-2020 Email: prado@bu.edu
Brandeis University Waltham, MA	Science Research Opportunities Students have numerous opportunities to explore the area of biomedical research either on or off campus. If you are interested in working for a faculty member in his/her laboratory or interested in participating in a summer program away from Brandeis University, it pays to begin looking early. You might begin your search for a research position by meeting with the undergraduate advising head in a particular department, such as Biochemistry, Biology, or Neuroscience, to discover what kinds of projects faculty members are currently working on. Another good place to start is by looking at individual faculty members' web pages, which list (among other things) research interests and recent publications. After viewing web pages and/or meeting with an undergraduate advising head, follow up with a visit to faculty members during their office hours or at their laboratories. Positions for first-or-second year students will mostly likely not be that glamorous; however, as knowledge grows and techniques improve, many students begin working independently and often begin their own projects by their third or fourth year. Research within the Biological Sciences Brandeis University is at the forefront of research in many of the most exciting areas of modern life sciences. Research programs in over 50 laboratories investigate fundamental life processes ranging from the structure and function of individual macromolecules to the mechanisms that control the behavior of whole organisms. About 125 graduate students, 100 postdoctoral fellows, and numerous undergraduates explore outstanding questions in areas as diverse as neuronal development and plasticity, signal transduction, immunology, the molecular basis of genetic recombination, and the three-dimensional structure of macromolecular assemblies. Our researchers take advantage of state-of-the-art approaches in molecular and cell biology, biophysics, physiology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. To discover the full breadth of research currently underway in our laboratories, please follow the links below. They list the research interests of faculty members connected with the life sciences: Research in Biochemistry Research in Biophysics and Structural Biology Research in Molecular and Cell Biology Research in Neuroscience Research in Genetic Counseling This breadth of scientific interests combined with a very interactive research community makes Brandeis an ideal place to acquire rigorous training in modern biological research. The relatively small size of the campus and an emphasis on collaborative and interdisciplinary investigation provides an intellectually stimulating and collegial research environment. Several research centers bring together research groups with overlapping interests, further fostering the exchange of ideas and encouraging collaborations. Undergraduate students at Brandeis University are encouraged to pursue research opportunties in a variety of different disciplines. The application process is quite informal. For more information, go to www.brandeis.edu/uaafys/premed/research.html. Contact Ana Yoselin Bugallo, Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment Brandeis University Phone: 800-622-0622 / 781-736 3500 Email: yoselin@brandeis.edu Women & Health Initiative The Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and the Women's Studies Program collaborated to create the Women & Health Initiative (WHI), a program which establishes internships for students in area hospitals, service agencies, research institutions, private practices, health care maintenance organizations, and other organizations that focus on women's health. Some examples of internships include: 1. Center for Excellence in Women's Health at an internationally renown medical school Minority Women's Health Diary Internship - help develop a diary that minority women can maintain throughout their lifetimes. The goal is to develop culturally appropriate diaries for major ethnic groups. Each diary will review the major health prevention and health promotion guidelines. Gather relevant patient education material for each of the topics for each age group Recruit women for focus groups, conduct focus groups, and analyze information Lay out the format of the diary 2. Breast Imaging Center located inside a large hospital Greet and assist patients Collect data and input necessary information into computer database Observe the interpretation of the results of mammograms. Attend meetings doctors who will discuss patient conditions 3. Advocacy Organization focused on Women's Health Help organize a program on reproductive health presented at local area high schools Assist with grant proposal research Perform legal research for public affairs department 4. A Non-profit Organization involved in international health services. Collect material and prepare a media kit about the organization and its work in Central America Help create a on-line newsletter Review data collected from health providers and sort it for publication Redesign organization's website Prepare orientation packages for physicians going to Belize Assist with research for a book on global poverty and health 5. Women's Health Clinical Training Institute within a large teaching hospital Participating in the development, planning, and logistics of Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs for women's health care providers/educators, including decisions on curriculum, presentation, speakers, logistics, and marketing Assisting with the day-to-day operations of the Women's Health Clinical Training Institute Learning about budgeting and financial management of grants and contracts, including developing a budget, monitoring all expenditures, and writing monthly and yearly activity reports for the Institute Taking part in meetings with public health collaborators and community leaders Preparing and performing literature reviews Assisting in future grant submissions As an undergraduate student at Brandeis, you will work with Jennifer Lewis, Coordinator of the Women and Health Initiative, to find the internship that matches your interest. For more information go to www.brandeis.edu/uaafys/whi/. Contact Jennifer Lewis Health Professions Advisor, Coordinator of the Women and Health Initiative Brandeis University Phone: 800-622-0622/ 781-736 3500 Email: jlewis@brandeis.edu
Brown University Providence, RI	Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program Eligible students include African-American, Latino, Native American, or others with a demonstrated commitment to the goals of the program and to eradicating racial disparities in higher education. Eligible sophomores who are currently enrolled in or interested in designated disciplines at Brown University may be eligible to apply to become Mellon Undergraduate Fellows. The program aims to reduce over time the serious underrepresentation on the faculties of individuals from certain minority groups, as well as to address the attendant educational consequences of these disparities. The Mellon Foundation is particularly interested in encouraging Mellon Fellows to earn doctorates in the following designated disciplines: Anthropology/ Area Studies/ Art History/ Classics/ Computer Science/ Demography/ Earth Science/ Ecology/ English/ Ethnomusicology/ Foreign Languages/ Geology/ History/ Literature/ Mathematics/ Musicology/ Philosophy/ Physics/ Political Theory/ Religion/ Sociology Each MMUF fellow is paired with a faculty mentor, with whom he/she is expected to meet on a regular basis. The student will work with his/her mentor to develop scholarly interests into research directions and design. Each undergraduate fellow is required to conduct an individual research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Guided research will help to prepare the student for graduate study. Mellon fellows will pursue advanced scholarly activities under the guidance of a faculty mentor beginning in the summer after the sophomore year and continuing through the academic junior and senior years, including the summer prior to the last year of study. Fellows who remain in good standing with the program will receive a stipend for each of the two summers of their Fellowship, and for each semester of their junior and senior years. Graduate School Advising Mellon Undergraduate fellows will participate in a seminar series designated to provide information about, and discussion of, a range of issues pertaining to the graduate school application process, financial concerns, research and practical concerns facing minority students contemplating an academic career. Network/Conference Travel Fellows will gather in an informal setting at least once a month as a group to discuss their progress and experiences. Fellows will be able to travel to scholarly meetings (expenses reimbursed) to present research projects, to visit libraries or attend meetings to support their research. Application and Selection Process A sophomore must formally apply to participate in the MMUF program. The selection process includes an application in the form of a written statement that includes: (Statement should not exceed 1000 words): explaining her/his future academic plans, and interest in graduate study and also addresses how she/he are and will fulfill the goals of the MMUF Program, a proposed research project. The application and selection process should also include the application cover sheet, two (2) faculty recommendations, an interview with the selection committee, if selected, and a academic transcript, which we will obtain. The program begins the summer after sophomore year and has an application deadline of March 1. Loan Repayment/Stipends If, within three years of graduating from Brown, a Mellon Undergraduate Fellow enrolls as a full-time student in an eligible Ph.D. program, that Fellow may have up to $10,000 of his/her undergraduate student loans repaid by the Mellon Foundation, up to a maximum of $1,250 in each of the first four years of study and a maximum of $5,000 if the Ph.D. is earned within six years. For more information, go to www.brown.edu/Administration/Dean_of_the_College/mellon/. Contact Joyce Foster, Associate Dean of the College Brown University Phone: 401-863-2539 Email: Joyce_Foster@Brown.edu
The College of Wooster Wooster, OH	Sophomore Research Program This program offers the opportunity for student to work as paid research apprentices to Wooster faculty members. Students are eligible to participate in the program from the second semester of their first year through the first semester of their junior year. Contact: Ben Chalot, Program Assistant, Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs Phone: 330-263-2576 Email: bchalot@wooster.edu Independent Study The College of Wooster is nationally recognized for its program of Independent Study, and for more than fifty years the College has required that every graduate complete a significant Independent Study project. The capacity for individual inquiry and expression marks the liberally educated person, and the Independent Study program at Wooster provides an opportunity through which this capacity may be nurtured. Describing the challenge of the program, President Lowry, out of whose vision the program was established, said, ". . . it invites all students to come to their best in terms of their own talents." Independent Study provides all students the opportunity to engage in an activity both personally meaningful and appropriate to their individual fields and interests. It is not reserved for the few. Independent Study is the culmination of a Wooster education and provides the basis for a lifetime of independent learning. Students begin in their first year to develop their abilities in writing, reading, and critical thinking required for the project and explore various areas of intellectual interest. Ideas for Independent Study are stimulated not only by course work in the major, but also by courses in other areas, informal exchanges with faculty and students, visiting lectures and arts events, off-campus study, volunteer work, and internship experiences. In the senior year the student spends two semesters working on a major investigative or creative project which culminates in the writing of a thesis or the production of a substantial creative work. Attention is given to the method, form, and content of intellectual activity, and there is an emphasis on the communication of the results of the individual's own intellectual and creative achievement. Competitive grants from the Henry J. Copeland Fund for Independent Study make available funds to assist students with unusual expenses associated with their projects and to complete projects of exceptional distinction. Contact: Thomas Falkner, Dean of Faculty Phone: 330-263-2008 Email: tfalkner@wooster.edu
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) San Luis Obispo, CA	For information about research programs and opportunities at Cal Poly, go to http://www.calpoly.edu/research.html.
Cooper Union New York, NY	Summer Research Internship Program The School of Engineering's Summer Research Internship Program provides a great opportunity for high school students to tackle research problems in a college setting. Interns work in teams comprising of both high school sophomores and juniors on applied research projects under the constant guidance of Cooper Union undergraduate teaching assistants. Each project is supervised and mentored by Cooper Union faculty and covers fields such as civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, biomedical and environmental engineering; mathematics, chemistry , and astronomy. For more information about this program, click here. Eligibility New York City high school students may apply. Both public and private high school students are eligible. Click here for an application and to see requirements. Contact: Susan Dorsey Associate Director of the Summer Research Internship Program Phone: 212-353-4286
Denison University Granville, OH	The Summer Scholars Program The Summer Scholars Program allows current Denison students to do research over the summer. The students must apply to the program and if accepted, they live on campus the entire summer and are paid a stipend while they do research. There are typically over 90 students in the program. Contact: Keith Boone Associate Provost Phone: 740-587-6469 Email: boone@denison.edu
DePauw University Greencastle, IN	Science Research Fellows Program (SRF) An honors program for students in the sciences, SRF participants have a research-based seminar during their freshman year, stay on campus after their first year for a ten-week research internship, complete a one-semester off-campus internship in their junior year, and a capstone seminar in their senior year. Eligibility Must be admitted to DePauw University, and complete an application for the Science Research Fellows Program. For more information about the Science Research Fellows Program and an application, click here. Contact Marissa Henley Assistant Director of Admissions Phone: 800-447-2495 Email: mhenley@depauw.edu
Dickinson College Carlisle, PA	Why do students prepare for a career in medicine at Dickinson College? Because we don't just show you how to get into med school or pursue a career in health care-we give you the skills necessary to succeed in your chosen profession. Dickinson's "workshop science" curriculum encourages active discovery. Sure, you'll get all the prerequisites for medical, dental or veterinary programs. But alongside every lab and lecture there's an opportunity to explore your passion, whether it's studying a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease, interning with a physician at nearby Carlisle Regional Medical Center, or conducting field research on cancer patients while studying abroad at our global-education site in Norwich, England. At Dickinson we're not a pre-med factory. There's no "pre-med" major. Beginning your freshman year, our intensive pre-health advising program will match you with one of six dedicated professors to assess your goals and plan your path. That could mean prepping for the MCAT and going straight on to medical school, or taking time after graduation to pursue research projects, work in a clinical setting or travel with the Peace Corps. In their four years here, Dickinson students develop into critical-thinking, engaged individuals who are able to communicate effectively. Our small classes, liberal-arts curriculum and interactive, research-based science programs encourage flexibility, innovation and teamwork-skills that are attractive to graduate admission committees and essential in today's health care system. We back up those skills with top-notch research programs funded by government and institutional grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and private foundations. Our research is supported by state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including new bioinformatics tools, a surgical suite and a molecular-modeling lab. Health care is one of the largest and fastest-growing fields in the country, with more than 11 million jobs. In the next decade, 13 percent of all new jobs will be in health services. As the industry grows, the best health care professionals will be flexible, with the critical-thinking and communications skills to adapt to changes in the health care landscape. The bottom line: At Dickinson, our pre-health students gain the skills to become more than good medical practitioners. They become leaders. Dickinson's campus is overflowing with opportunities to explore the life sciences. Research is introduced early and is required in the sciences. To support their research projects, our science professors have won an exceptional number of foundation and government grants. In fact, a recent study ranked Dickinson third among 136 undergraduate schools for grant awards per science faculty member. Pre-health student Jennifer Carr participated in Dickinson's Medical Shadowing Rotation Program at nearby Carlisle Hospital. This funding allows us to constantly improve our science curriculum and purchase equipment of the same caliber as that used in the nation's top graduate programs. Beginning in the freshman year, Dickinson chemistry students have access to instruments like NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectrometers. Our physiology students conduct operations in a surgical suite. Molecular Genetics classes gather evidence from mock crime scenes to conduct DNA analysis. In research labs, advanced biology students use macroarray technology to examine the genetic causes of leukemia. Recently, Dickinson joined with top Pennsylvania research universities on two multimillion dollar projects related to medicine: A study of cancer subtypes to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment and a program to reduce racial/ethnic and socio-economic disparities in health care. Our students are active participants in both projects. During the summer, many of our science students get paid to conduct research in their major fields of study. In addition to grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, The Mellon Foundation and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, students can apply for Dickinson's Dana Research Assistantships for summer and academic-year work with faculty. Scholarships Dickinson offers several competitive scholarship opportunities for pre-health students. This year, we were named one of 13 schools nationwide-including only two liberal-arts colleges -to receive funding from the prestigious Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation to support undergraduate scientists. The chosen schools were among 209 select colleges and universities invited to apply because of their excellent science programs. For students planning to attend medical, dental and veterinary programs, Dickinson has two merit scholarships available: the Forney P. George Scholarship (awarded in the sophomore or junior year) and the Mohler Prize (awarded to a graduating senior accepted to med school).
Drew University Madison, NJ	The Charles A. Dana Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE) at Drew University offers undergraduates a unique opportunity to engage in research under the supervision of retired industrial scientists. Since 1981 Institute fellows have guided the research efforts of approximately one hundred students majoring in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. The program is believed to be the only one of its kind in the nation and in 1989 received the prestigious Merck Innovation Award for Undergraduate Science Education. Program is open to all qualified science majors. For more details please visit the web page at http://depts.drew.edu/rise/MissionRISE_files/v3_document.htm. More information is available at http://depts.drew.edu/rise/. Contact Ashley Carter, Director of RISE Drew University Phone: 973-408-DREW Email: cadm@drew.edu
Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL	Florida Institute of Technology has several undergraduate research opportunities available to its undergraduate students. Division of Marine and Environmental Systems (DMES) Research: http://www.fit.edu/AcadRes/dmes/ Behavior and effects of contaminants that enter marine systems. Limnology and hydrology, primarily involving groundwater/surface water interactions, sediment/water interactions, and gas transfer at water surfaces. Mathematical and numerical modeling, hydrological optics, remote sensing, and estuarine and coastal physical oceanography. Trace metal geochemistry and pollution and global chemical cycles. Environmental chemistry, primarily trace organic analysis of air, water, soil and tissues. Climate change, marine meteorology and earth systems science. Properties and use of stabilized ash by-products in marine construction and in building. Phosphogypsum to accelerate decomposition processes in landfills. Freshwater aquatic systems, legal and environmental relations, and waste utilization and management. Environmental Impacts of Oil Operations in the Gulf of Mexico and Coastal Alaska (sponsor: oil Industry; U.S. Department of Interior) Development and Testing of Environmentally Friendly Antifouling Coatings for Ships (Sponsor: Office of Naval Research and General Electric) Hydrothermal Vents and Trace Metal Studies (Sponsor: National Science Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Utilization of Phosphogypsum in Landfill Applications (Sponsor: Florida Institute of Phosphate Research) Development of Computational Models for Beach/Inlet/Lagoon Interaction (Sponsor: Sebastian Inlet Tax District) Satellite Altimetry of Intra-Americas Sea (Sponsor: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) New Materials for Offshore Aquaculture (Sponsor: DuPont Canada) Coastal structures, beach erosion control, inlet and harbor hydrodynamics Marine instrumentation, water waves, coastal monitoring beach processes Hydrographic surveying Autonomous underwater vehicles, underwater systems Naval architecture, marine hydrodynamics, dynamics of marine vehicles, high-speed small craft design Fishing gear design Artificial reef structures Electrical and Computer Engineering http://www.ee.fit.edu/ Automated object detection and perception, segmentation, texture analysis, noise reduction, edge detection, computer imaging, modeling and other areas of image analysis Analysis and interpolation of infrared or synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery Signal processing, neural networks and biomedical engineering Near-real-time detection and classification of nuclear explosions for purposes of monitoring nuclear testing High-speed n-dimensional discrete convolution algorithms based on matrix Kronecker products Biosensor development for a noninvasive blood glucose monitoring system for diabetics Use of devices embedded directly into the individual antenna element to provide control of the far-field phase of the antenna Fiber-optic sensors and communications systems, laser radar and remote sensing, and laser scanning for robot vision Advanced architectures and algorithms that exploit parallelism and communication on many levels for applications in virtual reality and multimedia High performance computer architecture, fault tolerance and microscopic design Aerospace Engineering Research http://www.fit.edu/AcadRes/engsci/mechanic/mechanic.html Combustion and propulsion, aerodynamics and fluid dynamics, and aerospace structures and materials. Fluid dynamics of leakage and leakage testing to reduce some of the uncertainties and increase the efficiency of the between-flight testing of the main engine compartment of the space shuttle orbiter. Stability or instability of shear flows to small disturbances and how may account for the growth of turbulent fluctuations Pressure-sensitive paints and temperature-sensitive paints for aerodynamic force and transition measurements Laser Doppler velocimetry and particle image velocimetry. Efffects of high-speed winds on civil structures. Analytical modeling of the one-dimensional deflagration wave Analysis of the flow in a supersonic combustion ramjet Engine testing with alternative fuels. Aerospace structures built with advanced composite materials Ocean Engineering http://www.fit.edu/AcadRes/dmes/ocean.html The ocean engineering program curriculum places emphasis on the solution of engineering problems through the application of broad based but advanced knowledge provided by a core of required courses and electives in five areas of concentration: Coastal Engineering Naval Architecture Marine Materials and Corrosion Underwater Technology Hydrographic Engineering The ocean engineering faculty works closely with the faculties of oceanography and environmental sciences. This enables the ocean engineering students to undertake interdisciplinary research in the environmental and oceanographic sciences, as well as fundamental aspects of ocean engineering. Ocean engineering students are encouraged to take part in at-sea exercises, developing and using a wide range of engineering and oceanographic systems. Students from 20 countries receive both undergraduate and graduate degrees in ocean engineering at Florida Tech. Recent Projects: Numerical models of hydrodynamics and sediment transport Ship motions in shallow water harbors High-speed small craft hydrodynamics Maintenance of the living seas structure Ship corrosion and biofouling Artificial reefs of the Mexican Caribbean Design and construction of a remotely operated surf rover Design and construction of an autonomous underwater vehicle Seakeeping testing in open waters Computer Sciences http://cs.fit.edu/ Software Engineering Database and Information Systems Database Performance Tuning and Optimization Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Operating Systems System Performance Analysis Software Engineering Processes Software Metrics Scalable and Adaptive Systems Machine Learning Parallel and Distributed Processing Data Mining Intelligent Systems and the Internet Object-Oriented Methodologies Advanced and Hybrid Data Structures Computer Assisted Instruction Telecommunication in Educational Settings Rapid Application Development Coordination Systems Spatio-Temporal Reasoning Artificial Intelligence Computer Graphics Algorithms Computer Modeling Internationalization Software Testing Reliability Engineering Chemical Engineering http://www.fit.edu/AcadRes/engsci/chemical/chemical.html Removal of "priority pollutants" from potable water and industrial wastewater Activated carbon adsorption for removal of humic color Use of reverse osmosis for removal of trace levels of organic compounds from water Treatment processes to recycle or reuse wastes. Diffusion of gases in polymers/blends Dilation and gas sorption in gas/polymers systems at elevated pressures and temperatures Thermodynamic behavior of glassy polymers in the presence of compressed gases Equilibria of mixtures at high pressures and temperatures Hydrogen storage materials capable of storing greater than 5% hydrogen by weight Converting the stored hydrogen into energy using more robust and longer-lasting fuel cells Developing molecularly imprinted polymers for chromatographic separations of specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals Civil Engineering http://www.fit.edu/AcadRes/engsci/civil/civil.html Mathematical modeling techniques applicable to finite-element analysis of structures Expert systems applied to structural design optimization. The affect of the addition of waste plastic on the mechanical properties of concrete Structural dynamics, and earthquake and wind engineering Computer-aided design techniques in structural engineering and design optimization. Development of educational tools based on erector sets. Simulation of contaminant transport in subsurface media using numerical and physical models Saltwater intrusion, hydrologic modeling and storm water management Water quality in lakes and reservoirs Utilization of waste materials for beneficial uses Applications of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) as a highway fill material Geotechnical engineering Mechanical Engineering http://www.fit.edu/AcadRes/engsci/mechanic/mechanic.html Thermal systems, heat transfer applications, convective, diffusive and radiative transport in porous media Combustion processes, cooling of electronic equipment Renewable and solar energy technologies, conduction heat transfer in thin films Short pulse radiation transport, bio-heat transfer modeling and HVAC Design/control of robotic manipulators and grippers Integration of wind and photovoltaic power systems Virtual reality applications to mechanical design, mechatronics and modeling Machinery vibrations monitoring and diagnostics Vehicle crash dynamics Improving mechanical performance of recycled plastics. Gas-burner-driven heat pump systems Development of radiative heat transfer benchmark solutions Clean combustion technology involving combustion with porous ceramics Transport of contaminant gases through soil near building foundations Performance of wind and photovoltaic power systems in residential and utility applications Monitoring and diagnostics of rotating machinery Dynamic response of occupants in automobile collisions Design of robot arms to study path planning and control methodologies for hyper degree of freedom robotic manipulators Virtual reality environment for synthesis and analysis of spatial and spherical mechanisms Quantifying the relationship between corrosion and damage tolerance in metal structures Application of recycled plastics with fiber reinforcement Mechanical performance of alternative-fuels engines Biological Sciences http://www.bio.fit.edu Changes in manatee distribution in the Indian River Lagoon Monitoring the nutrient load of storm water draining into the Indian River Lagoon How pollination strategies affect pollen representation in modern pollen rain Signal Proteins and Their Role in Fertilization Molecular Basis of Signal Transduction in Fertilization In vitro studies on Mycobacterium leprae and development of new drugs against leprosy Application of ATP assays for rapid drug susceptibility testing in tuberculosis and AIDS. Role of mycobacteria in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. Techniques for monitoring microbial population in sewer sludge and waste water effluents. Evaluate the role of viable fungal spores, as indoor aerosols, in buildings with "Sick Building Syndrome". Techniques for rapid detection of bacterial contamination in food/seafood processing plants that will fulfill new federal guidelines on HACCP. Cellular mechanisms of infrared reception in boid and crotaline snakes Neural mechanisms of infrared and visual image formation in the brain Behavioral correlates of simultaneous visual and infrared imaging Role of melatonin in circadian timing in the mammalian retina Conservation of sharks and rays in the Indian River and adjacent coastal areas to define the ecological role of these predators Genes involved in dorsal specification in zebra fish Maternal contributions to early vertebrate development Molecular biology of the bacterial cell cycle Control of DNA replication and gene expression during the division cycle Development of a baby machine for eukaryotic cells Cell Cycle Assembly of Nucleoprotein Complexes Sponge-associate Microorganisms and Biotechnology Antarctic Sponge-associated Microorganism as a New Source of Antibiotics Effects of mangrove trimming on faunal community Cultivation of ornamental marine shrimp for the saltwater aquarium industry Use of giant clams to remove particulate and dissolved nutrients in aquaculture effluents Development of a model for habitat use by the West Indian manatee in Brevard County, Florida Feeding ecology of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin in the Indian River lagoon Population ecology and habitat use of the endangered Atlantic salt marsh snook Development of an animal model system for use in cancer research Development of PCR protocols for early detection of human papalomavirus in cervical biopsies and vaginal swabs Electrophoretic separation and analysis of DNA molecules Recruitment of Larval Tarpon and other Fishes into the Indian River lagoon Effects of Larval Fish Entertainment Into Mosquito Impoundments Recruitment Behavior of Postlarval Blue Crabs Callinectes sapidus Role of Environmental and Chemical Cues in the Habitat Selection of Marine Crustacea Migration and Selective Tidal-Stream Transport Behavior of Ovigerous Blue Crabs Interspecific variation in feeding biomechanics and behavior in estuarine fishes Intrapopulation variation in feeding biomechanics and behavior in estuarine fishes Early ontogeny of the feeding mechanism in pelagic marine larvae Echinoderms of the Western Atlantic Effects of Hydrology on the Population Dynamics of the Florida Applesnail Taphonomy of the Ghost Crab In vitro culture of Digitalis purpurea In vitro propagation of Conradina etonia, an endangered mint Biomedical changes during somatic embryogenesis Structure and function of glutamine synthetase and its role in nitrogen assimilation by the seagrass Halophila wrightii Structure, location, and regulation of adipose tissue phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and its role in lipid synthesis Determination of a-tocopherol, free cholesterol, and triacylglycerols in human lipoproteins Pilot Plant for Biomass to Liquid Fuels Materials Compatibility of Oxygenate Fuels with Aircraft and Vehicle Components Chemistry http://www.fit.edu/AcadRes/chemistry/ Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease Degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and arteriosclerosis Analytical environmental geochemistry Bio-organic chemistry Medicinal chemistry Natural product chemistry Polymer flammability and fire retardancy Effects of surface modification on polymer flammability Combustion product toxicity Polymer aging and weathering Molecular design in organic chemistry Bio-organic chemistry Physical organic chemistry Natural product isolation and characterization from marine invertebrates Biosynthesis and synthesis of secondary metabolites from marine invertebrates Chemical ecology Solid-State reaction chemistry Humanities & Communication http://www.fit.edu/AcadRes/hu-com/ Student attitudes and motivation in the foreign language classroom Teacher-training in language education Sociolinguistic aspects of language, culture, and society Manual design Computer-based training (CBT) Applications of simplified English and readability studies Heresy, the Inquisition, and Italian art in the Duecento and Trecento Descriptions and experiences of art in the later Middle Ages and in the Renaissance Self-conscious imagery Plato's "theory of forms" and the metaphysics of art The appearance of the pointed arch in Western architecture Ancient and medieval rhetorical theory Existential phenomenology. Evolution of music from the 19th century into the 20th Document design Applications of electronic and online publishing Interdisciplinary applications of communication and publications technology Shakespeare and the Elizabethan Miniature 'Thy Picture's Sight': Shakespeare's Aesthetic of Intimacy Epistolary Pugilism: The Hemingway-Stevens Bout Girolamo Savonarola in Art Impact of regional dialects on first and second language speakers Psycholinguistic elements of reading and writing scientific and technical English Effect of gender on language usage Experience of common soldiers in the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War The evolution of American military leadership during the early 19th century Impact of the Civil War and World War II in the state of Florida Patronage and gift giving in scientific endeavors Strategies of evasion in seventeenth-century scientific correspondence Implications of Enlightenment values on scientific communication in revolutionary France Mathematical Sciences http://www.fit.edu/AcadRes/math/ methods of nonlinear analysis qualitative and quantitative properties of nonlinear equations with delay integrodifferential equations and stochastic differential equations spectral theory of operators reaction-diffusion equations mathematical modeling approximation theory applied statistics mathematical programming combinatorial optimization operations research queuing theory stochastic processes numerical and computational mathematics that emphasis on numerical methods for ordinary and partial differential equations neural networks numerical algorithms and parallel processing Physics and Space Sciences http://pss.fit.edu/ Optical Pattern Recognition and Robot Vision Automated 3-D Inspection and Alignment Reconstructive Surgery Research Interferometer based Hyperspectral Imagers Macular Degeneration Research Temporo-Mandibular Disorder Research Binary and multiple systems of stars Microgravity experiments aboard NASA’s KC-135 and the Space Shuttle Studies of High-Energy Particle Physics involving CERN’s Particle Accelerator Development of 3-D Robotic Vision Systems Mars Research at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Photovoltaic Solar Cell Development with NASA’s Lewis Research Center Scanning Tunneling Optical Spectroscopy Studies of Space-Grown Crystals Lightening Studies at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Studies of Upward Propagating Lightening (Red Sprites) from the Space Shuttle Studies of Stellar Evolution, White Dwarf Stars, and The Age of The Universe Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics and Scientific Visualization NSF sponsored Computational Physics Laboratory Synthesis and Characterization of Electrodeposited Semiconducting Thin Films Astronomy Using The 36" SARA Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory Projects involving the Hubble Space Telescope Satellite Investigation of the Near-Earth Plasma Environment On-Site courses at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Station Development of a Magnetometer Array along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard Supernovae: UBVRI Lightcurves; SN1993J in M81 Observational Astronomy: Photometry; Spectroscopy Investigation of simulated martian and lunar dust particles analyzing space physics satellite data sets how the Sun influences the Earth's space environment and a new type of lightning called Sprites
Hampshire College Amherst, MA	Faculty, staff and advisors at Hampshire College are committed to assisting students with experiential education in math and science. Research opportunities are available to all students. Every student is encouraged to do self-initiated research from their first year and by their final year at Hampshire, each student conducts an original research project, publishing his or her findings. To view some of the exciting programs offered at Hampshire, please visit the following Web sites: Natural Science Programs (http://www.hampshire.edu/cms/index.php?id=497) Teaching Methods (http://www.hampshire.edu/cms/index.php?id=597) Natural Science Grants Activity (http://ns.hampshire.edu/grants/index.html) Designing Research-Based Courses (http://ns.hampshire.edu/research/) Contact: Felicia R. Lundquist Senior Assistant Director of Admissions Hampshire College 893 West Street Amherst, MA 01002 Telephone: (413) 559-5471 or (877) 937-4267 Fax: (413) 559-5631 Email Address: flundquist@hampshire.edu Web Site: www.hampshire.edu
Hobart and William Smith Colleges Geneva, NY	Merck Summer Science Program The Merck Summer Science Program supports eight Hobart and William Smith science students over eight weeks during the summer. The program provides a salary, room and board, and supplies for research. Students work with faculty from the biology and chemistry departments on a variety of research projects at Hobart and William Smith. Eligibility Must be a Hobart and William Smith Colleges student in the sciences. Contact: Jim Ryan Professor Phone: 315-781-3601 Carol Parish Asst. Professor of Chemistry Phone: 315-781-3607 Email: parish@hws.edu Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Chemistry & Biochemistry This is an opportunity for hands-on, meaningful research conducted with chemistry professors in small research group settings. Eligibility Must be a Hobart and William Smith Colleges student majoring in chemistry. Contact: Carol Parish Asst. Professor of Chemistry Phone: 315-781-3607 Email: parish@hws.edu
Hope College Holland, MI	Hope College holds more grants for summer student research from the National Science Foundation's "Research Experiences for Undergraduates" program than any other liberal arts college in the country. Nationwide, only six other institutions, all of which are universities, hold as many of the grants as Hope, and only two universities hold more. Outside grants for research to departments and faculty have totaled more than $3.9 million in the past two years alone. Student/faculty research occurs both in the summer, when stipends are available to give selected students the experience of full-time research, and during the academic year. Project Kaleidoscope of Washington DC identifies Hope's program in the sciences and mathematics as a model for other institutions to follow, naming it a "Project That Works." Eligibility Virtually everyone here is eligible to do research. Many students do it during the academic year as a volunteer or for academic credit. To do it during the summer for stipend (typically over $3,000) students must apply. Then it becomes competitive. Minimum standards are a 2.75 GPA and a year of college biology. Other criteria we use are 1) research ability and potential, 2) professional objectives and 3) self-motivation. These are determined by letters of reference, a personal statement by the student and personal/phone interviews. Freshman are certainly able to apply. Contact: Gary Camp Director of Admissions Phone: 1-800-968-7850 Email: camp@hope.edu
Lafayette College Eastern, PA	EXCEL Scholars Program Discover the richest educational experience you can have as a college student. Work and learn together with a professor on a project such as measuring the effect of steroid hormones on male zebra finches, analyzing economic growth factors, developing a solar device to disinfect water supplies, codirecting a dramatic performance, or producing your own paintings in the artist/student mentoring relationship that dates back hundreds of years. These enhanced learning opportunities are provided through the EXCEL Scholars program, part of Lafayette's commitment to student-centered learning. EXCEL Scholars work collaboratively with faculty on research projects that expand the boundaries of knowledge. You become a part of the program through nomination by a faculty member. As an EXCEL Scholar, you will be an integral part of the research process; the nature of the work is not clerical, nor is it primarily focused on routine chores. You are challenged to make a significant contribution and are involved in all aspects of the research from reading and analyzing articles to designing experiments, testing hypotheses, interpreting data, and writing articles about the results for publication. Benefits EXCEL Scholars earn $8 to $10 an hour. They may work full-time during the summer (10 weeks) and interim session (3 weeks in January). They may also work part-time (8-10 hours per week) during the academic year. During the summer and interim session, EXCEL Scholars are also provided free college housing in the residence halls. Besides the stimulating academic challenge that the program provides, EXCEL Scholars have the opportunity to apply techniques and knowledge that they learn in class to specific problems. This kind of hands-on experience is an asset for students applying to graduate schools or seeking professional employment. Your participation may lead to a coauthored article published in a scholarly journal, a patent for equipment or a technique that you develop, or the creation of works of art. You may also present your findings at one or more professional conferences such as the annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research, which is held at a different college or university each year. Lafayette College has one of the largest contingents of student presenters at NCUR. How to Get Involved The program is open to sophomore, junior, and senior full-time Lafayette students in all disciplines who have at least a 3.25 GPA. Research opportunities are available in engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. To nominate an EXCEL Scholar, a faculty member submits a proposal to the Academic Research Committee. Faculty who have grants that support student research assistants may apply to have their students join the EXCEL Scholars program. The program is central to Lafayette's dedication to providing unique academic opportunities and promoting the personal mentoring of students by faculty. It began in 1986 with 14 students. The program has an annual budget of over $500,000 with more than 160 students participating each year. The success has made the program a model for other colleges and universities. Support for EXCEL comes not only from outside faculty research grants, but also from endowments, private foundation grants, and College funds. For more information about the EXCEL Scholars Program go to www.lafayette.edu/academics/excel.html Contact: Skip Staats, Associate Director of Admissions Lafayette College Phone: 610-330-5100 E-mail: admissions@lafayette.edu
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA	Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) The essence of MIT is our appetite for problems - especially those big, intractable, complicated problems whose solutions make a permanent difference. As an undergraduate, you will spend a lot of time preparing yourself to face the challenges of the world through your course work. From the core subjects of your first year, to the intense focus of your major, to the fresh breeze of IAP and any electives you explore, MIT offers lots of new ways to use your mental toolkit and keep the edges sharp. MIT also believes passionately in connecting young people with the fresh ideas and practical experiences of leading-edge research -- which is the driving idea behind a wildly popular MIT institution known as the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (nicknamed UROP, pronounced "YUR-op"). By the time they graduate, close to 80 percent of MIT undergraduates participate in frontline research, side by side with senior faculty and graduate students. For more information, go to http://web.mit.edu/urop.
Ohio State University Columbus, OH	Undergraduate Research Opportunities Undergraduate research opportunities exist across all colleges at The Ohio State University. Students should conact their college office for mor information. Each spring the university hosts the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum for OSU undergraduates engaged in research. In 2001, almost 150 undergraduates participated.
Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach, FL	Research Opportunities in Marine Biology: Students at Palm Beach Atlantic are given the opportunity to study marine life, not only in the classroom, but in the field. Students are able to participate in supervised trips to Cozumel, Mexico; Walker's Cay, Bahamas; the Galapagos Islands, Andes Mountains, and the tropical rainforest of Ecuador and Costa Rica. Students are able to study unique local habitats including the Florida Keys, the Everglades, Lake Worth Estuary, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Polytechnic University Brooklyn, NY	Center for Youth in Engineering & Science: The Center for Youth in Engineering & Science (YES) seeks to encourage talented high school students to pursue advanced studies and careers in engineering and science. The YES Center offers a variety of outreach programs designed to interest pre-college students in technology careers by providing learning activities and enrichment opportunities. Eligibility: Depending upon the program area selected by the student, some preparation may be necessary to develop specific skills needed to successfully complete the program. Contact: Beverley Johnson Executive Director Phone: 718-260-3033 Email: bjohnson@poly.edu
Saint Michael's College Colchester, VT	Senior Research Course All biology majors have the opportunity to undertake a research project during their senior year. The specific course for this is BI 420 Senior Research. We also will sometimes have summer research opportunities available. Eligibility Students must be biology or environmental science majors and seniors when BI 420 is taken. However, students can begin to work on their projects earlier. Contact: Professor Doug Facey Chair and Professor of Biology Phone: 802-654-2108 Email: dfacey@smcvt.edu Theoretically Interesting Molecules This opportunity is funded by the National Science Foundation under a program called Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). In this program, Saint Michael's is part of a consortium of faculty who study theoretically interesting molecules at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs). The six faculty come from Saint Michael's College, Juniata College, Trinity College, Trinity University, Northern Kentucky University, and Macalester College. The grant is for three consecutive summers during which each faculty member will accept two summer research students. One studnet may be from the home institution but at least one student must be from another institution. This research project gives undergraduates the benefits of doing faculty-mentored research. The experience is akin to what students encounter at a larger research university, housed within the personal atmosphere of a small liberal arts and sciences college. Research will take place at Saint Michael's, but will include larger consortium research group meetings three times during the summer. One of those meetings will take place at an internationally significant conference which the students will attend. Eligibility: Students from any major may apply beginning the summer after their first year at Saint Michael's. Students are accepted based on academic course experience, interest in doing research, and enthusiasm for the project. Contact: Kathleen R. Mondanaro, R.N., Ph.D Assistant Professor of Chemistry Phone: 802-654-2259 Email: kmondanaro@smcvt.edu
Simon's Rock College of Bard Great Barrington, MA	Physics Research: Dr. Bergman and Dr. Kramer have received grants from NIH, NSF, and Research Corporation to support their ongoing research. Dr. Bergman conducts a variety of experiments on the solidification of ice and metals under extreme conditions, with the goal of illuminating similar processes that take place at the Earth's core. Dr. Kramer pursues mathematical and computer simulation approaches to the formation of patterns in nature. Each summer they hire several students for summer research internships, to allow the students to participate in high quality research and to enrich their undergraduate experience. Contact: Dr. Michael Bergman Phone: 413-528-7432 Email: bergman@simons-rock.edu Mathematics Research: Through Simon's Rock, students have participated in research opportunities for undergraduates during the summer at the College of William & Mary, NSA, LSU, and Mount Holyoke College. Contact: Dr. Robert Snyder Phone: 413-528-7211 Email: rls@simons-rock.edu Biology Research: Dr. Robert Schmidt, whose specialty is ichthyology, conducts research each summer on fish and aquatic life in the Hudson River as well as in rivers and lakes in Western Massachusetts. He hires several interns each summer. Contact: Dr. Robert Schmidt Phone: 413-528-7438 Email: schmidt@simons-rock.edu
Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, NY	Collaborative Research with Faculty All students, irregardless of their major, are strongly encouraged to take part in collaborative research with faculty members. Although more hands-on opportunities are in the math and science departments, close-knit study is an ongoing theme with the academic experience at Skidmore College. Contact: Marisa Ferrara, Assistant Director of Admissions Phone: (518) 580-5583 Email: mferrara@skidmore.edu
Smith College Northampton, MA	Several research opportunities exist in medicine and the allied health professions, science, engineering, and mathematics. Students play a vital role in the research activities of the science departments and may participate in research during the summer, semester, and January interterm period.  Students contact faculty members based on a student's interests and the research interests of the faculty. Medicine Contact: Margaret E. Anderson, Chair of the Board of Pre-Health Advisors Email: manderso@email.smith.edu Science Contact: Richard Briggs, Professor of Biological Sciences Email: rbriggs@email.smith.edu Engineering Contact: Dawn Scaparotti, Director of the Engineering Program Email: dscaparo@email.smith.edu Mathematics Contact: David Warren Cohen, Chair of the Mathematics Department Email: dwcohen@email.smith.edu
Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX	BRITE - Biomedical Researchers In Training Experience BRITE is for students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry and planning research careers in biomedicine. Through collaboration between Dedman College at SMU and University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, students may apply for admission to SMU and simultaneously for acceptance to a Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences at the UT-Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, contingent upon continued satisfactory performance in the Program's curriculum and laboratory research experiences. BRITE Scholars must: Apply and be admitted to the BRITE Program; Complete Introductory Chemistry and Introductory Biology in the first year; Pursue the BRITE curriculum, including designated advanced courses; Complete the SMU B.S. degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry; Maintain a 3.30 minimum SMU GPA; Maintain a 3.30 minimum GPA in science coursework; Complete at least two BRITE summer research internships (three are available) following the first, sophomore and junior years. Contact: Ka Hugley-Cook Associate Dean  Email: khugley@mail.smu.edu
Southwestern University Georgetown, TX	Undergraduate Research Symposium Sponsored by all University departments, the symposium will serve as a vehicle for Southwestern students to present the results of their research or creative work. The symposium will be modeled after a typical conference (registration, abstract submissions, concurrent sessions, etc.), and abstracts will be published together in a bound volume. Students are encouraged to present some aspect of their research in a contributed paper, poster, or creative work. For more information, go to www.southwestern.edu/academic/symposia/SUURCWS/. Contact Gail Roberson, Asst Director of Admission Southwestern University Phone: 512-863-1200 Email: admission@southwestern.edu
St. Lawrence University Canton, NY	Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Acheivement Program St. Lawrence is one of 18 institutions awarded a new grant through the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, which is aimed at encouraging students in underrepresented groups to pursue doctoral studies. Under the program, students are paired with faculty mentors on research projects and are also given assistance with the graduate school admission process. Student Eligibility Applicants must be first generation college students (neither parent has graduated from a four-year higher education institution) and they must meet the income guidelines set by the US Department of Education. OR Applicants must be members of one of the following groups which are historically under-represented in graduate education: African American, Native American, Hispanic American. AND Applicants must be United States citizens or have proof of permanent resident status. Selection Criteria Applicants who are selected for the program must: Have a commitment to obtain a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree. Have a minimum of 16 units before the summer research internship, and complete the research internship before graduation. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the major and an overall 2.8 or above. Demonstrate a commitment to participate in the McNair Orientation Program and other McNair workshops, seminars and activities until graduation. The program is currently intended to begin during Junior Year. For more information, go to www.stlawu.edu/mcnair/. Contact Steven Jo, Coordinator of Multuicultural Student Recruitment St. Lawrence University Phone: 800-285-1856 Email: sjo@stlawu.edu
Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY	Biotechnology Summer Camp This summer laboratory program is designed to teach motivated high school students the concepts and techniques commonly used in modern biotechnology, and provide them an opportunity to explore areas of interest in an independent research project. A background in biology is required and chemistry is suggested. For more information about the Biotechnology Summer Camp go to: www.stonybrook.edu/ligase/BSC/Biotechnology%20Summer%20Camp.htm Prerequisites Students must have completed ninth grade and completed Biology in order to apply. Cost: $1,975 including room & board fees Contact Jenise Reyes, Senior Admissions Advisor Stony Brook University Phone: 631-632-1046 Email: jenise.reyes@stonybrook.edu
Towson University Towson, MD	College of Science and Math Undergraduate Research and Travel Programs Grant At Towson University, we believe that research experiences are important aspects of a well-rounded undergraduate in the natural sciences and mathematical sciences. Our College of Science and Math offers sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to be a part of our CSM Undergraduate Research Grant Program. This competitive process supports students in independent research activities in collaboration with faculty mentors. Contact: Dr. Raouf Boules Program Coordinator Phone: (410) 704-2640 Email: rboules@towson.edu
Truman State University Kirksville, MO	The Ronald E. McNair Program The Truman State University McNair Program is designed to meet the social, academic, and financial needs associated with gaining entry into and completing doctoral programs. Participants in the program are matched with faculty mentors from Truman or the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM), and receive assistance in achieving their individual post-baccalaureate education goals. Students benefit from pre-research internships during their sophomore year, summer research internships during their junior year, and graduate school placement in their senior year. The McNair Program is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education. Contact: Dr. Emmanuel Nnadozie or Mrs. Bertha Thomas Director of McNair Scholars Program & Intern Assistant Dean of Multicultural Affairs Phone: 660-785-4142 Email: bthomas@truman.edu
University of South Florida Tampa, FL	University of South Florida Honors College Undergraduate Research Scholars Program The University of South Florida believes it is important that students understand the complex activity called "research" and wishes to stimulate students' interest in becoming active participants in the research process. We are therefore most pleased to offer a unique program for a select few first year USF students. Students identified as USF Undergraduate Research Scholars will enroll in "Discovery: People, Processes and Problems" during their first semester at USF. "Discovery" is a very special course taught by some of USF's most distinguished researchers/teachers. During and following the "Discovery" semester, Undergraduate Research Scholars will be assisted in identifying potential undergraduate research opportunities that will allow them to work with a Professor on his/her research projects in future semesters. "Discovery" begins by broadly defining research as the systematic investigation of a phenomenon or problem. Then, faculty from the natural, social and health sciences, from engineering, business, education, humanities, the fine arts and other fields will "tell their stories," how they became interested in doing research and offer examples of problems and questions they have examined. Students will interact closely with these Professors during the semester. The culminating "Discovery" experience will be the development, in collaborative groups, of a research proposal that defines a problem or question and maps out a strategy for responding to the issue. Based upon the availability of faculty and funding, students may have the opportunity to carry out the research. In the semesters following "Discovery," Undergraduate Research Scholars will have the opportunity to work with USF's senior researchers as these Professors investigate issues that excite them. Monthly receptions are designed to bring students together to discuss topics of mutual interest and to learn from and interact with research faculty. Students are selected to become USF Undergraduate Research Scholars based upon exceptional high school academic achievement and superior SAT I/ACT scores. In general, students are invited to participate by the Director of the University Honors Program. Interested high school seniors may obtain further information by contacting Dr. Stuart Silverman at (813) 974-3087 or by email at silverman@honors.usf.edu. Scholarship support is available to Undergraduate Research Scholars while they are active in the program. University of South Florida Research for Undergraduate Students The University of South Florida is nationally recognized as a Research University. As such, its full commitment to undergraduate instruction must be enhanced by a firm commitment to the creation of new knowledge. USF has the requisite research environment, including extensive libraries, well equipped laboratories and sophisticated computer capabliities, all housed in appropriate on-campus facilities. USF also has numerous faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized in their fields, and who are capable of serving as mentors to students. Students at a Research University have the opportunity to engage in collaborative learning experiences with faculty and graduate students. They can participate in a world of discovery in which active participation in the learning process is possible. Undergraduate students can therefore learn through inquiry, rather than being the passive recipients of facts and concepts. Through research projects, students can gain the skills necessary for exploration, problem solving and for oral and written expression that can serve well for a lifetime of learning, work and pleasure. Participation in the research process allows students to appreciate arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences in a way not otherwise possible. Benefits of Research You are considering a major and wish to see the kinds of work people in that field accomplish. You have taken almost all of the courses required for your major, but you still don't know if thsi is going to lead to a career that you really want. You are considering graudate school in an academic area and want to have experience prior to applying to a program. You want to explore topics presented in class more thoroughly. Do these situations sound familiar? There is no better way to do this than to engage in undergraduate research. Whether you choose a seminar, internship, or independent research, there are many benefits to participating in undergraduate research. Clarify career opportunities and choices Decide upon a specific program of graduate study Increase analytical and critical thinking skills Develop close relationships with faculty When a student engages in a mentored research project, that student learns to frame meaningful questions in a thoughtful manner. Scholars have long known that the nature of the question is critical in finding the answer. Participation in the research of active scholars allows students to learn how scientists, social scientists, and humanists in their various ways go about creating new knowledge in their respective fields. The research process can therefore be a model for a lifetime of problem solving. Researchers learn to evaluate material critically rather than to accept it without evidence. Students who work on research projects have the opportunity to solidify their choices of majors and careers or to adjust plans for the future based on real experience. Research participation also allows students to interact with people of different backgrounds, cultures and professional expertise. Moreover, undergraduates who engage in research can often publish or otherwise present their work in professional contexts, and thus have a competitive edge when applying to graduate or professional school, or for a job. Eligibility All students at the University of South Florida can participate in undergraduate research throughout their college careers. Although research opportunities are more plentiful in some areas, students in any major can benefit from participation in research. Most faculty expect a student to have a general background knowledge on the subject being studied and a sincere interest in learning more about the subject. Students can shadow or interview faculty early in their career, then participate in a lengthier program during their junior and senior years. All students at USF are encouraged to participate in research study. Contact: Dr. Stuart Silverman Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies Phone: 813-974-3087 Email: silverman@honors.usf.edu
University of Vermont Burlington, VT	Undergraduate Research Opportunities Highly motivated undergraduate students may tap into the university's vast research resources and opportunities. UVM researchers, including those connected with the College of Medicine, bring nearly $120 million in grants annually, and UVM ranks in the top 120 of 900 colleges and universities surveyed for federal support of research and development. Students find exciting research opportunities through the connections they make with faculty; through special programs in their department or academic unit, such as Academic Programs for Learning and Engagement (APLE) in the College of Arts and Sciences; or through two university-wide undergraduate research programs, Hughes Endeavor for Life Science Excellence (HELiX) and Undergraduate Research Endeavors Competitive Awards (URECA). Academic Programs for Learning and Engagement [APLE] Become an APLE scholar! APLE provides students in the College of Arts and Sciences with opportunities to do research with faculty members, and to get hands-on experience in internships. Science students work in research laboratories both in Arts and Sciences and in the Medical School. Other students become involved in the local community through internships and service learning projects, and still others follow their interests far from the University of Vermont both in the United States and abroad. Funding is available on a competitive basis for research and creative projects. http://www.uvm.edu/~cas/forprospstud/aple/ The URECA program gives students in-depth research experience. Through first submitting a project proposal for review by a panel of experts, URECA candidates learn about the challenges of obtaining research funding. Students whose projects are selected receive research funding and guidance from a faculty mentor, in addition to opportunities for publishing and/or presenting their findings. http://www.uvm.edu/~provost/ureca/ The HELiX program offers intensive seminars and the opportunity to work closely with a faculty scientist on individually designed research projects. Students selected to participate in HELiX may receive up to $500 for expenses and supplies during the academic year; more is available during the summer. Research projects focus on everything from sharp-shinned hawks to genetic algorithms. http://www.uvm.edu/~helix/ University of Vermont McNair Scholars Program Authorized by the United States Congress in 1986, the national program commemorates the accomplishments of the late Ronald E. McNair, PhD, NASA astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. The mission of the McNair Scholars Program is to work with qualified UVM undergraduates to increase the number of first generation, lower income and underrepresented minority students who earn a doctorate. The McNair Scholars Program provides eligible UVM undergraduates with critical academic, research and professional experiences to enhance their competitiveness in gaining admission to doctoral programs. Students with undergraduate majors in the natural and social sciences, humanities, math and engineering are strongly encouraged to apply. http://www.uvm.edu/~mcnair/ Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory Research Program The research program of the Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory is a product of the expertise of scientists representing diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The eight laboratories, each with a set of specialized functions, create a research environment that fosters cross-disciplinary coordination and a holistic analysis of the greater Lake Champlain Basin ecosystem. The five focus areas are: Aquatic community dynamics, Pollutant transport and transformation, Soil and sediment analysis, Effects of contaminants on ecosystem structure and function, and Fisheries conservation and restoration. Contact Sonya Ohlsson, Assistant Director of Admissions The University of Vermont Phone: 802-656-8618 Email: sonya.ohlsson@uvm.edu