NSF REU Summer Research

Biological Research in Ecological and Evolutionary Developmental Biology
BREED

Program Highlights

• Individual research projects in the Departments of Biology at SFSU and the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Sciences (click here for a list of mentors and their research)
• Integrated program of academic and professional development 
• 10 week program; 2-weeks lab/lecture course and 8-weeks independent research 
• Mentoring from research faculty, graduate students, and peers 
• 10 week program (June 1 to August 7, 2009) 
• $4,500 stipend 
• Assistance with living expenses and travel costs 
• Excursions and social programs highlighting attractions of the Bay Area

Application Procedures — click the links below to download Word documents

• Application Form 
• Application Checklist
• Recommendation Form

Application Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2009

Who should apply?

• Highly motivated students interested in biological research 
• Students interested in the possibility of graduate school (Ph.D.) not a M.D. 
• Have completed at least one course in biology, one in chemistry, and one in math before applying 
• United States citizens or permanent residents (required by NSF guidelines) 
• Able to show proof of health insurance for duration of the program

Applicants are not required to have previous research experience.

This program is aimed at promoting diversity in the national biosciences workforce. Students who share this goal, especially from underrepresented minority groups, economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or who are the first generation in their families to attend college are encouraged to apply.

This program is designed to expose participating students to core concepts of Ecology, Evolution and Developmental Biology. The participating faculty provide a broad range of research options in these areas. They also share a strong commitment to working with undergraduates and promoting diversity in the biosciences.

In this program students will learn about the evolution of novelty and the astounding diversity of forms and life histories in local and model taxa. Students will learn about patterns and processes of molecular evolution and the role of phenotypic and environmental variation in the evolution of diversity and complexity. For eight-weeks students will participate in independent research in laboratories at SFSU and RTC. Students will participate in weekly professional development meetings in which they will learn strategies for pursuing successful careers in science. The summer’s activities will conclude with a campus-wide research symposium at which our REU students will have the opportunity to present their findings to the campus community. The program incorporates social interactions and networking designed to foster the development of an ongoing community of learners, giving students opportunities to make connections that will endure beyond the end of the summer and that will support them in their academic paths.

We expect that the students selected to participate in this program will be present for the full ten weeks of its duration and will participate in all scheduled parts of the program. The majority of time will be spent in the lab, but equally important are the seminars and professional development program.