SUMMER UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAMS

We offer

• hands-on experience in a research lab.
• 8+ or 10 week program (early late May – early Aug)
• State of the art research facilities
• Social activities with other summer students in Cleveland
• Learning to present and discuss research with faculty and peers
• Learn about diverse disciplines and ethics in science and research
• Summer stipend, housing on campus, plus travel accommodation
• Best presentation/project winners are sponsored to attend a National Conference

You are

• eager to take steps towards a career in Biomedical Research (PhD, MD/Phd)
• pursuing a major in biochemistry, biology, chemistry or physics
• a senior or sophomore at a college in the USA and have a GPA > 3.4
• ready to discover your abilities and contribute to a project at the bench or computer

Ready to apply? Click here

PROGRAM DETAILS

There are two summer research programs currently active in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics.

NSF-REU in Protein Dynamics: The program is supported by a training grant by the National Science Foundation – Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF–REU).  For the 2011, the program will start on May 31 and will last for 10 weeks with a focus on protein and cellular dynamics (see abstract at the following link: http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?unitid=5047. The program pays $480 per week ($4800 for the whole duration) and the number of available positions is limited to 8. If you are interested in this program please indicate on the application form, together with a statement, saying what makes you particularly interested in and your application especially competitive for this program.

Summer Undergraduate Program (SURP): The SURP program starts on June 14, 2011 and lasts for 8 weeks. The research focus of this program varies based upon the mentor’s lab interest and the supporting agency (e.g. American Heart Association; Diabetes Association; Cystic Fibrosis Association; etc.).  Students attending Case Western Reserve University can participate to this program by placement in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics via the Howard Hughes Undergraduate program through the department of Biology.  Although the program lasts for eight weeks during the summer, interested students are encouraged and welcomed to prolong their stay.  Students receive an average stipend of $3,000 dollars for the 8 weeks program. The salary is provided by the supporting agency (varying from $2500 for Diabetes Association fellowships to $3500 for American Physiological Society fellowships). In many cases, housing support is also available.  There is no limit to the number of places as support is provided by the individual faculty hosting laboratory. Students who are planning to participate for a second year may desire to write a research proposal for a national research service award (American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, National Institutes of Health, etc.). Applications for these prestigious awards are written in conjunction with a Department of Physiology and Biophysics faculty mentor during the semester prior to the second summer. The student need not be in the department while preparing these applications.

General Description common to both Programs and approximate Schedule

During the first several days of the program, the mentor and the student identify an appropriate research project and write a single page proposal describing the planned research. This proposal is signed by the student and the sponsoring faculty mentor and is then submitted for approval to the Program Director, Dr. Andrea Romani. This document becomes the blueprint for the summers work. It describes the scientific background underpinning the proposal, describes the techniques to be used, and sets out goals to be accomplished during the summer.

At the beginning of the second week, the SURP and NSF students meet as a body to discuss and present their research plans to the other students. Later in the week the students meet again to listen to brief research presentations from physiology graduate students (two students per week). These biweekly meetings are repeated on a weekly basis during the 8-10 weeks, providing students with a forum for discussing their work and presenting their progress. Dr. Romani will attend these presentations, along with several physiology graduate students, to assist in facilitating discussion.

During the last week of both programs, the students gather with the faculty and their research mentors to present their research project to the department. A faculty committee selects the top two students for reception of the Research Recognition Awards. Two of the NSF students will receive full support to attend a National Meeting to present their research.

SCHEDULE

Detailed Schedule

Week1
Select research topic, write proposal, obtain mentor's signature, and Dr. Romani's final approval

Week 2 to Week 9
Monday, 8.30-9.30 AM: Class
Wednesday, 9.00-11.00AM : Research presentations (15 min each)
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Laboratory experience and as necessary on weekends

Week10
Prepare with faculty advisor for Research Presentations
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Laboratory experience
Friday, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
SURP/NSF Research Symposium - Awards presentation and farewell party

The Monday classes will cover major aspects of Data presentation, Biomathematics, and Bio-Ethics. One session will be devoted to benefits in applying to graduate programs, respectively.

For any questions please contact

NSF-REU & Summer Student Research Coordinator
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-4970
Telephone: 216.368.2084
Email: PHOL-INFO@case.edu