RESEARCH GRANT
SPRING 2009
APPLICATION DUE: March 24, 2009
AWARDS ANNOUNCED: First week of April, 2009
General Information Document
Application Document
This award was created in 2006 to honor Dr. Francis Rose, who was the departmental chair for 11 years. The money is derived from an extra $1 lab book fees from Bio 1430, 1431 and 2450 and thus is being used to aid undergraduate research.
Objective:
The purpose of these grants is to provide research opportunities for undergraduates in the biological sciences during the academic year, especially for students whose financial need would make such work difficult on an unpaid basis. The emphasis of this program is to increase the number of undergraduate students doing research. All qualified undergraduates are encouraged to apply.
This research program also seeks to enhance interaction among the peer group of undergraduate researchers by encouraging student-run activities to include seminars, research ethics, and career planning sessions. All students working in undergraduate research in the Department of Biology are included in these activities.
Grants:
Grants for up to $800 will be awarded for the semester. These are funds for research activities, and thus you can also receive course credit for your research by registering for Bio 4299. The funds are disbursed through the biology office.
Eligibility:
• A laboratory position arranged prior to when you apply for this grant.
• An interest in pursuing a career in some aspect of the biological sciences.
• Some laboratory experience (whether in university coursework or work outside the university).
• Awards in previous summers or semesters do not guarantee an award this year.
• Prior awards also do not disqualify one from receiving a subsequent award.
Selection of candidates:
Evaluations of applications will be made by a committee of biology faculty and graduate students. Criteria for selection of awardees will include financial need for research supplies, ability (demonstrated by courses taken, grades, and letters of recommendation), enthusiasm, and career goals. Previous Biology Fellows Program awardees also must submit a one page summary of their previous experience and accomplishments, and they must include a letter of recommendation from their research advisor.
This research experience is not designed simply to provide technical training. It is designed to involve curious undergraduates in exploring biological questions. Top candidates will be interested in learning about a research laboratory, about asking questions at the bench or in the field, and about learning how to effectively use the scientific method to resolve a biological problem.
How to Apply:
Students should submit the following:
• Completed application form and additional materials requested in the application form.
The application package and letters of recommendation (included with application or mailed separately) should be turned in by 5 p.m. on March 24, 2009 to:
Awards will be announced the last week of March. Awardees and their laboratory advisors will be notified immediately by email. A list of awardees will also be posted on this page.
Past Awardees (Advisors):
2006: Pete Diaz (Nowlin) & Glen Hood (Ott)
2007: Romey Swanson (Rose/Simpson) & Tamira Konkin-Garcia (Gabor)
2008: Mary Dobson (Martin), Michelle Parmley (Gabor), Julie Coyle (Gabor)
2009: Sherry Albers (Dharmisiri), Sean Scaff (Ott), Gina Soto (Garcia)