This program is designed to expose participating students to core Molecular, Cell, Developmental, Evolutionary, and Ecosystem 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 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. Through the remainder of the program, 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 an abstract on their project and are encouraged to submit it for poster presentations at national meetings. During the last week, a mini-symposium will permit the participants to share their accomplishments.

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Expectations for Participating Students

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 that 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!

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Individual research projects in participating faculty laboratories in the Departments of Integrative Biology, Molecular & Cell Biology and Plant & Microbial Biology at the University of California at Berkeley.

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Integrated program of academic and professional development: group tutorials on cell, developmental and evolutionary biology; informal faculty research seminars; workshops on the graduate school application process, life as a graduate student, oral and written communication skills, and career opportunities for Ph.D.s.

Mentoring from faculty, graduate students, and postdocs

10-week program (June 3 to August 9, 2024)

$6,000 stipend

Paid housing and food allowance

Travel costs reimbursed up to $720

Excursions and social programs highlighting attractions of the San Francisco Bay Area

• Highly motivated students interested in biological research
• Students interested in the possibility of graduate school (Ph.D. rather than M.D.)
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• 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 to work toward the Bachelor's degree.(Preference is given to students who will have completed their sophomore year by July.)
• United States citizens or permanent residents (required by NSF guidelines)
• Able to show proof of health insurance for duration of the program