This REU Site Program is targeted at undergraduates who are residents of Appalachia and/or underrepresented minorities. Outstanding applicants from other groups will be considered. Selected participants must be enrolled as undergraduates at the sophmore or junior level during the semester prior to attending the Program. Applicants should be majoring in biochemistry, chemistry, biology or a related subject, and should be seriously considering pursuing a graduate degree and/or career in biochemical research.
Note: It is a requirement of the NSF that all REU participants be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
The goal of this ten-week Summer Program is to encourage student participants to pursue careers in the biochemical sciences. To achieve this goal, students will not only perform research in a mentor's laboratory, but will also participate in a series of seminars and discussions aimed at providing instruction in both issues relevant to research and careers in the biochemical sciences. Research-related instruction will be provided in a seminar series titled "Nuts and Bolts of Research", as well as through weekly discussion meetings which all participants will attend. The "Careers in Biochemistry" seminar series will provide insights into the various career options available, including, but not limited to, graduate school and subsequent postdoctoral training. Participants will also attend a breakfast each week with a faculty member who will talk about the career path they have taken.
A number of social events will be organized for, and by, the participants so that they have ample opportunity to get to know one another. Contacts and friendships developed during research experiences such as this one can prove to be invaluable as participants progress in their chosen careers.
An example timetable for the Program can be downloaded as a PDF here.
Students participants will be provided with a stipend ($4250 for the ten week program in 2009) and housing in one of the University of Kentucky's dormitories. Reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed.