The 2012 uSTAR Summer Scholars Program is a new summer research program for rising sophomores interested in scientific research who have not yet found a place to start. The goal of the program is to help students interested in scientific research gain hands-on experience early in their academic careers so they have ample time to consider their options for futures in scientific fields.

Eligibility:

The program is open to WU rising sophomores.

We are looking for students who have not yet worked in a lab (outside of courses) here at WU.

Students need to have taken a laboratory-based science course during Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 semesters.

Students must have research interests in biology, chemistry, physics, biomedical engineering, neuroscience or biostatistics and be interested in a potential career in science.

Details:

The program will run for 8 weeks, from June 3 to July 28, 2012.

Students will be paired with a mentor doing research in an area that matches their interests as closely as possible.

Housing will be paid for by the program. Students will live in the Summer Research Dorm in the Village East apartments on the WU campus. The research dorm offers students the opportunity to interact with others in the research community and participate in a variety of free social activities.

Students will be provided with a $1,000 stipend to cover additional expenses.

Travel to St. Louis for the program will be the responsibility of the student.

Expectations:

Students are expected to work full-time in their mentor’s lab during this 8-week period.

Students are required to attend Environmental Health and Safety training and an Ethics seminar at the beginning of the program.

Students are expected to attend a weekly evening seminar/discussion held in the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Students are required to present their research at the Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium on Saturday, October 27, 2012.

Application Information:

Application Deadline: Monday, March 5, 2012

Please submit using the online application.

Application must include:

• One original essay of approximately 500 words describing your scientific experiences at WU to date and your desire to conduct scientific research. What specific influences have made you interested in a research experience? What do you hope to gain from this experience? If you have done previous research, briefly describe the project you worked on and how the experience is driving this current interest. (REMEMBER: previous experience is not required.) This essay should be uploaded with the submission of your application.
• One letter of recommendation from someone at WU who is familiar with you and your interests. Your recommender should be someone who has gotten to know you since you arrived at WU, such as an advisor or faculty representative. The letter of recommendation should be delivered by your recommender to Jennifer Kohl, Office of Undergraduate Research, Campus Box 1026 or by email to jkohl@wustl.edu.

Questions? Contact the uSTAR Summer Scholars Program Coordinator Jennifer Kohl at jkohl@wustl.edu / 314-935-7342 or Program Director Dr. Jason Woods at woods@wuphys.wustl.edu / 314-935-6220.