Biology Fellows Program

Objective:
The purpose of these grants is to provide independent summer research opportunities for undergraduates in the biological sciences. 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.

The summer grant program also seeks to enhance interaction among the peer group of undergraduate researchers by implementing a student-run program to include seminars, journal clubs, career planning sessions and undergraduate research symposia. All students working in independent undergraduate research in the biological sciences are included in these activities.

Grants:
Twenty-five grants of $3,500 will be awarded for the summer. These funds are for student stipends, and an additional $200 is available for laboratory supplies.

Eligibility:
• Continuing Berkeley students with an overall GPA of at least 2.7.
• 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 a laboratory:
Students can work with any faculty member in the biological sciences on the Berkeley campus, including Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories. Two stipends can be made available to students for working at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Oakland.

It is not necessary that the student have a research appointment in a laboratory prior to applying for a fellowship. However, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain an appointment in a laboratory by initiating contact with faculty whose research is related to the student's interests. Awardees having difficulty arranging a laboratory should contact Dr. Caroline Kane, the Faculty Director for the Biology Fellows Program, 408 Barker Hall, 642-4118, kanecm@ berkeley.edu.

Selection of candidates:
Evaluations of applications will be made by a committee of biology faculty, a senior graduate student, and one senior undergraduate who received a fellowship in the previous summer. Criteria for selection of awardees will include ability (demonstrated by courses taken, grades, and letters of recommendation), enthusiasm, and career goals. Previous 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 (download above).
A list of undergraduate courses taken and grades received (a non-official transcript is acceptable).
A brief (no more than three paragraphs) statement of why you are interested in working in a research lab, and how this experience relates to your overall goals.
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 resume.

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 March 10, 2008 to:

Biology Fellows Program
2075 VLSB
Berkeley Campus
Mail Code 3200.

Awards will be announced in April, 2008. Awardees and their laboratory advisors will be notified immediately. 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 Program awarded to the Berkeley Campus of the University of California. For further information, please contact Caroline M. Kane, 642-4118, kanecm@ berkeley.edu.


	BIOLOGY FELLOWS PROGRAM