The University of Alabama REU in Interdisciplinary Convergence to Advance the Biotechnological and Bioscience Workforce is organized by the Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Chemistry & Biochemistry. This program spans 10 weeks and offers opportunities for up to 10 students from UA and other institutions across the nation.
Available research projects train students on research techniques and tools in the biotechnology and bioscience fields. This exciting research begins in mid-May and is available for up to ten motivated U.S. engineering or science undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The weekly stipend is $600, and on-campus housing is available.
Faculty in the Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chemistry & Biochemistry, and Biological Sciences will act as research mentors for the program.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: January 9, 2023
- Early Bird Deadline: February 28, 2023
- Final Application Deadline: March 31, 2023
- Tentative Program Dates: May 22 – July 28, 2023
Contact
For more information about this program, contact the following program managers:
- Dr. Ryan M. Summers– Program Director
- Dr. Matthew K. Thompson
Application
Submit the following material to the Project Director (Dr. Summers):
- Application form
- Copy of transcripts
- Unofficial transcripts are acceptable and can be uploaded with your application
Early application is encouraged. Early acceptance will proceed for high quality applicants. Accepted applicants will be notified as soon as possible.
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Enrolled in undergraduate university/college program pursuing a degree in science or engineering.
- Minimum 3.0 overall GPA
Benefits
During the program, students will
- Participate in a “Biotechnology Bootcamp” in the first week of the program
- Participate in hands-on, supervised research in the fields of biotechnology and bioscience
- Attend weekly seminars to improve oral presentations
- Tour regional research/industrial facilities and visit other regional attractions
- Present research results at a summer-end symposium
- Attend and/or present research results at a national research conference in the fall or spring following the REU site experience
Financial Support
- The summer stipend is $6,000.
- On-campus housing at no cost to the student is available for all non-UA accepted applicants that request on-campus housing.
- Travel expense reimbursement (up to $500) to/from the University of Alabama for the summer
Requirements
Participant must:
- Commit at least 40 hours per week to REU activities
- Attend lab meetings
- Attend weekly REU workshops or research seminars
- Attend field trips or social events
- Prepare and deliver an oral presentation or research poster/paper
Activities
The scheduled activities are designed to engage students in engineering and bioscience research and further increase interest and understanding of the fields of biotechnology and bioscience. The program will foster technical development and research skills, afford sufficient time to complete research assignments, and provide social and educational weekend activities away from UA’s campus. Throughout each week, participants will spend most of their time in the research lab, under supervision of their matched faculty supervisor and research team.
Friday Morning Meetings: During morning meetings, the REU students will meet as a group to present their research in an informal setting.
Local Excursions: Possible excursions include NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, local camping and rafting destinations for weekend excursions, summer concerts, and the 4th of July festival at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre
Student Symposium: Students will give presentations on their summer research the final Thursday of the program at an all-day symposium. REU staff will judge the presentations for quality of research, organization, and speaking manner. Students will also be expected to turn in a short technical report covering their research. Feedback will be provided to the students on their performance.
Research Conference: All students who have shown a substantial effort on their project will be encouraged to submit an abstract and give a poster or oral presentation at a national research conference (AIChE, IBE, ACS, etc.). The specific conference will be determined in consultation with the research advisor. A travel stipend will be available to assist with travel costs.