University of Pittsburgh Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program

6th in NIH funding among educational institutions and affiliates

-NIH FY 06

14th among top medical schools in terms of research excellence

-US News and World Report

The university as a whole and the school of medicine have both more than doubled their NIH support since 1998

-School of Medicine Fact Book

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National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) Cellular Adaptation to Environmental Challenge (CAEC)

PROGRAM IS PENDING AWARD RENEWAL

This is an REU Program focused on "Cellular Adaptation to Environmental Challenge" (CAEC). Cellular systems are perturbed by a wide variety of stimuli including changes in nutrient availability, signals for cellular differentiation as well as interactions with pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Our training faculty conduct research projects in all of these areas using concepts and techniques from the disciplines of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, virology and immunology. Participants will be able to address questions of great scientific interest as well as have an opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology. The 10-week summer program will fund 10 students with a $3,500 stipend as well as a travel and housing allowance. In addition to performing research in the laboratory of a research mentor, program students will meet regularly to share and discuss research findings. They will also participate in seminars on a wide variety of research topics and receive career mentoring, training in basic laboratory safety and in the ethical practice of research.

The overall goals of the Program are:

To provide a research experience that increases the students' understanding of the area studied and the practice of scientific research.
To inform students about the ethical practice of scientific research.
To prepare undergraduate students to pursue graduate education in biological research.
To teach students how to write a scientific abstract and deliver a 10-minute research presentation.

Students accepted into this program will be US citizens or permanent residents and either rising sophomores or rising juniors in an accredited four-year college or university. Underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply as well as those attending colleges and universities with limited access to research facilities. The overall goal of the program is to increase awareness of biological research as a serious career option and to increase the number of students pursuing graduate education in the sciences.

Thank you for your interest in applying to the University of Pittsburgh Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program's Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunities (Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) and/or Cellular Adaptation to Environmental Challenge (CAEC)).

The early deadline for completing your application is February 1.

The final deadline is March 1.

Strong applicants are encouraged to apply early as there will be a rolling admission process that begins Feb. 1st. Applications received after March 1st will not receive fellowship consideration. The program will run Tuesday, May 29 through Friday, Aug. 3, 2007.