Now in its 9th year, the AAP Summer Research Fellowship in Integrative Biology offers undergraduate students in the Access and Achievement Program (AAP) the opportunity to explore biological research with faculty, graduate students, and research staff in the School of Integrative Biology. This opportunity is designed for students with little or no research experience. During the summer, fellows will conduct research, attend regular professional development seminars, participate in a summer research symposium, and build their research network.
Goals/Purpose of the Fellowship
The primary goals of this fellowship are to provide students with:
- Hands-on experience conducting cutting-edge research in the biological sciences
- Exposure to the research process and tools used by academic researchers
- An appreciation for the challenges of academic research
- The opportunity to form personal and professional networks with faculty and other students
See a list of Research Projects and Faculty members. [LINK]
This fellowship is a 10-week research experience with a paid stipend of $7000 to be paid to student throughout the course of the summer.
See video interviews with past research fellows to learn more about this program.
Eligibility
Any undergraduate student (undeclared or biology majors; Freshman, Sophomores, or Juniors preferred) who is a part of the Access and Achievement Program is encouraged to apply for this program.
Requirements
Recipients of fellowship must be able to:
- Applicant must be an undergraduate student in good standing with the LAS Access and Achievement Program
- Students are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week for the duration of the fellowship, and therefore may not enroll in summer coursework or other part-time jobs
- Students must commit to the full 10-week research experience (May 22, 2023 to August 4, 2023)
- Students must attend research lab meetings as required by their research mentor
- Students must attend and present at the Integrative Biology Summer Research Symposium in early-August
- At the end of the fellowship, students must write a brief summary of summer research experience
Application Timeline
Applications accepted from February 6 until March 21, 2023.
Click here to access the application form.
Questions Regarding Fellowship
Contact the fellowship organizers:
Dr. Chris Holmes, Associate Director, Office of Undergraduate Research
Dr. Ken Paige, Professor, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior
Kristy Valentin, Senior Director, Access and Achievement Program
Application Timeline
Applications accepted from February 6 until March 21, 2023.
Click here to access the application form.
What does the fellowship involve?
Structure of Program
Students selected for this fellowship will begin their 10 week research fellowship on May 22, 2023 During the course of the summer, you will learn laboratory techniques, form connections with other undergraduates conducting research, execute a research project designed by your mentor, be involved with outreach in the local Champaign-Urbana community, and present research at an undergraduate research symposium (for your friends and family to attend).
Goals for Student
Students will:
- Gain research experience working in a research lab
- Learn how to conduct science in both the lab and field
- Gain a higher understanding of and regard for the role of science in everyday life
- Form personal and professional connections with faculty and students
Criteria for Application
Students must be affiliated with the Access and Achievement Program (AAP). Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors are encouraged to apply.
Time Requirements
- Students will conduct research for 10 weeks from May 22, 2023 until August 4, 2023. Exact fellowship start and ending dates are flexible and are dependent on mentor availability. Please notify the program coordinators if you have difficulty fulfilling this requirement.
- Attend The School of Integrative Biology - Introduction to Research in Integrative Biology Research Symposium. Here, you will give a short presentation on your summer work to a small group of peers and faculty mentors - Occurs during the first week of August.
- Write a brief summary of summer research experience to be turned into the program organizers shortly following the completion of the summer fellowship.
Pay
Student will receive a paid stipend $6,000 to cover living expenses for the three month research experience.