• Individual research projects in one of ~30 faculty laboratories in the Departments of Integrative Biology, Molecular & Cell Biology and Plant & Microbial Biology at the University of California at Berkeley.
• A list of Participating Faculty Members available on the website.
• Integrated program of academic and professional development: group tutorials on cell, developmental and evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics; informal faculty research seminars; workshops on the graduate school application process and related career opportunities
• Mentoring from faculty, graduate students, and postdocs
• 10 week program (June 1 to August 12, 2013)
• $4,500 stipend
• Paid on-campus housing in International House, includes 19 meals/week
• Travel costs reimbursed up to $500
• Excursions and social programs highlighting attractions of the Bay Area

Application Procedures

Application Form
Application Checklist
Recommendation Form (doc)

Application Deadline: Monday, February 11, 2013

Who should apply?

• Highly motivated students interested in biological research
• Students interested in the possibility of graduate school (Ph.D. rather than M.D.)
• Have completed at least one course in biology and one in chemistry before applying
• Undergraduates who will be attending a 4 year college or university in fall 2013 to work toward the Bachelor's degree. (Preference is given to students who will have completed their sophmore year by June 2013.)
  
• 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 Cell, Developmental and Evolutionary Biology. The thirty 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 community at Berkeley. 

Under the direct guidance of a UCB faculty mentor, usually with a graduate student or postdoctoral co-mentor, students will gain first-hand research experience and training in state-of-the-art research facilities, working on individual projects. During the first week of the program, group tutorials will survey the interconnecting fields of cell, developmental and evolutionary biology and bioinformatics. Through the remainder of the program, weekly seminars will further expose participants to the wealth of ongoing research in these areas. Professional development workshops and interactions with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and UCB undergrads will familiarize participants with the graduate school experience, including the application process, what to expect in graduate school and the career possibilities it opens up. Social events and excursions will permit students to explore the attractions of the Bay Area. In the course of the program students will prepare a short scientific paper on their project. During the last week, a mini-symposium will permit the participants to share their accomplishments.

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. We would like this experience to be stimulating, rewarding, and fun. At the same time we expect that you will communicate to us about concerns which affect your ability to fully benefit from the program so that we may address them. We also expect that you meet with your mentor at least once a week and discuss you progress and needs with him or her. We look forward to welcoming you to Berkeley!