NSF-Sponsored Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates
Data and Models in the Biosciences

Program Location

UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06032

Program Dates

TBD

Program Background

Ten-week, in-residence, intensive summer research program, focused on modeling and simulation in systems biology, for U.S. citizen or permanent resident undergraduate students from around the United States and Puerto Rico. It will provide participants with a broad view of available career opportunities for mathematical scientists in academia, industry, and government. Participants will have the opportunity to expand their professional network of peers and mentors

Program Description

Technological advances in the measurement of molecular events in cells and tissues make it possible to obtain detailed information about the wide variety of dynamic processes that control the development and functioning of organisms. This has given rise to a systems approach in biology and biomedicine, which captures these processes at the systems level through the language of mathematical models. Accordingly, the scientific focus of this program is on the development, implementation, and application of mathematical algorithms to problems in biology and biomedicine. In 2018, the program will focus on research projects in the Laubenbacher, Mendes and Vera-Licona research groups at the Center for Quantitative Medicine, and the Slepchenko group at the Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling. Students will work in teams with UConn researchers, have opportunities to build their professional network, and learn about a wide range of career opportunities.

Award

Eligible participants will receive $5,000 stipend, lodging, meal expenses, and travel reimbursement to/from the Site.

Comments from Past Participants

“Before this summer, I had no experience doing full time research in any field. Working full time in research, even for only 10 weeks, has given me a much better view about what research involves. I also learned that most researchers need to be interdisciplinary and many end up working in a field quite different than the one in which they did their doctoral work.”

“Most experiences I have had previously left the quantifying as a small portion of the research, so seeing it be the main focus really excites me. Also, seeing how collaborative and integrative it is gives me a better idea on what my background for both fields should be.”

“This REU has increased my interest in pursuing graduate school and initiating undergraduate research at my home institution. I have learned a lot about conducting research and working within a team.”

“I came into the summer of 2016 thinking that research would have a day-by-day plan. The UConn Health REU changed my view of mathematical research in that, when an interesting result is found, the course of the research can be completely altered. Finding something interesting changes your next day’s work.”

“This REU exposed me to some of the realities of research in STEM. Prior to participating in this program, I overestimated the knowledge that I have of biological systems. I realized that limits on our knowledge not only pose many challenges in research, but they also make it a very exciting field to be part of. I was also made aware of the important role that grants play in supporting research.”

Past School Participants

University of Tennessee
New College of Florida
Clemson University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Emory University
University of Pennsylvania
Penn State University
Simpson College
Adrian College
University of California
Saint Mary’s College
University of Georgia
University of Dallas
Cornell University
Angelo State University