SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
FOR UNDERGRADUATES (REU)
IN MICROBIOLOGY

2011 REU participants

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Goals of the Program

The REU in Microbiology at The University of Iowa seeks to foster the careers of the next generation of microbiologists. We do this by providing an intensive 10-week research experience for bright and ambitious undergraduates who are considering a PhD in microbiology or an allied discipline. We hope that this experience will encourage students to pursue a career in basic science and give them the skills they need to succeed in that career path. The focus of the program is a hands-on research project conducted under the guidance of faculty and graduate student mentors. A range of research projects will be available, including basic mechanisms of bacterial and viral gene expression, virus structure and assembly, biofilm formation, microbial development, and prokaryotic cell biology. Students will also attend lectures to broaden their understanding of microbiology and educate them about graduate school and career options.

Overview of the Program

  • Participants conduct full-time, hands-on research in microbiology, microbial genetics, or molecular biology.
  • An overview of research programs in our department can be found by clicking here, and a list of recent summer REU projects can be found here.
  • Enrichment activities include weekly seminars and workshops on graduate school and career opportunities. Schedules from past years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
  • At the end of the summer, students write a research report and present their findings in a campus-wide poster session.
  • Program lasts for 10 weeks (May 21-July 27, 2012).
  • Participants receive a $5000 stipend plus a $530 food allowance.
  • Free housing is provided in the Mayflower dormitory.
  • Travel costs are paid by the program.
  • Social activities include an introductory picnic, excursions, and an end-of-summer banquet.

Eligibility

The program is intended for undergraduates who:

  • Have completed at least two years of college.
  • Will be returning for at least one year of undergraduate study before graduation.
  • Are majoring in a biological science.
  • Are interested in pursuing graduate school and a career in biological research.
  • Are United States citizens or permanent residents (hold a green card).
  • Have limited access to research opportunities at their home institution.
  • Prior research experience is NOT a requirement.

This program seeks to improve diversity in the biological sciences. Disabled students, minority students, and disadvantaged students (economically or first in family to attend college) are especially encouraged to apply.

Questions? Try our FAQ. You can also send an email to us at undergrad-micro-info@uiowa.edu or call us at 319-335-7980.

How to Apply

Your complete application includes:

  1. The online application (click here to complete). Please note that the application must be completed in one sitting.
  2. A copy of your transcript, which can be uploaded to your online application. If you cannot upload an electronic copy, you may send your transcript via regular mail to the address below.
  3. two letters of recommendation on official letterhead.  Recommenders should address the applicant's intellectual abilities, level of motivation, ability to work with others, and career interests (e.g., research, teaching, medical school, etc.). Please ask your recommenders to send their letters via email to undergrad-micro-info@uiowa.edu. If this is not possible, they may be sent via regular mail to the address below.

Summer REU in Microbiology
Department of Microbiology
The University of Iowa
3-403 Bowen Science Building
Iowa City, IA 52242

The application deadline is February 15, 2012.

This site is co-funded by the ASSURE program of the Department of Defense in partnership with the National Science Foundation REU Site program under Award No. 1003951.
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