Biology Fellows Program

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 has been to increase the number of students from underrepresented ethnic groups and women doing research. However, all qualified undergraduates are encouraged to apply and have an equal chance for awards based on ability and drive.

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 biological sciences are included in these activities.

Grants:
Ten grants of $1500 will be awarded for the semester. These are stipends for research activities, and thus you can also receive course credit for your research. The intent of these awards is to supplement and not replace university or federal grants or scholarships.

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.
• Financial need must be justified, and this does not mean that you must now be receiving financial aid.

Selection of candidates:

Evaluations of applications will be made by a committee of biology faculty, a previous awardee, and a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow with experience working with undergraduates. Criteria for selection of awardees will include financial need, ability (demonstrated by courses taken, grades, and letters of recommendation), enthusiasm, and career goals. Previous Biology Fellows Program awardees also must document their previous experience and what has been accomplished, and they must include a letter 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, 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 (attached).
• A list of undergraduate courses taken and grades received (a non-official transcript is acceptable).
• A brief statement of why you are interested in working in a research lab, and how this experience relates to your overall goals, and a description of the project you will undertake.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your interests, abilities, and/or career goals.
(These letters can be from any individual, in or outside of the University, and might include former employers or teachers. A letter from the Research Advisor is especially useful.)
• A resume.
• OPTIONAL: A Statement of Financial Need
• Previous awardees must submit a statement of work accomplished with the previous award, and must include a letter from the research advisor that discusses your involvement with the project.

The application package and letters of recommendation (included with application or mailed separately) should be returned by 5 p.m. on May 19th, 2008 to:

Biology Fellows Program
c/o Alissa Myrick, Ph.D.
2075 VLSB
University of California
Berkeley CA 94720-3140.

Awards will be announced on June 15, 2008. Awardees and their laboratory advisors will be notified immediately by email. A list of awardees will also be posted on the bulletin board outside room 2075 VLSB.

FUNDING SOURCE:

Funds for these grants come from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Undergraduate Biological Science Education Initiative, pending funding, awarded to the Berkeley Campus of the University of California and the generosity of a Berkeley alumna whose own undergraduate research was pivotal in her professional development. For further information, please contact Alissa Myrick, 643-1334, amyrick@berkeley.edu.


SUMMER 2008 Biology Fellows Program Awardees	BIOLOGY FELLOWS PROGRAM	Undergraduate Research Symposium Friday, August 3, 2007, 9 AM -3 PM at the Alumni House