2012 Summer Undergraduate Research Program

[click]Program Features [click]Activities [click]Eligibility & Funding [click]Frequently asked questions

 

2012 Program Features: [top]Top of page
  • 10-week research internship in molecular microbiology, immunology or virology
  • Stipend of $3000 will be offered to qualified candidates
  • Lodging and travel expenses will be the responsibility of the student
  • Disabled students, minority students and students from smaller liberal arts institutions where comparable research facilities are unavailable are particularly encouraged to apply
  • Dates for the 2012 summer program are June 4, 2012 - August 10, 2012
  • All application materials must be received, as a packet, in our office by February 15, 2012
  • Applicants will be notified of their status by March 31, 2012
Our Undergraduate Summer Research Program is sponsored by the faculty and Department of Microbiology and Immunology of Loyola University Chicago. The program is designed to provide a stimulating "hands on" research experience for students who are considering graduate education in molecular Microbiology or Immunology.

Under the guidance of a selected faculty member, the student will actively participate in an ongoing research project. He or she will learn basic research skills, attend various scientific seminars and journal clubs, participate in a series of special summer workshops and present his or her results to the department. Students will learn many modern research techniques, such as:
  • maintaining cell cultures
  • gel electrophoresis
  • chromatography
  • immunoassays
  • animal surgery
  • protein and nucleic acid molecular biology
Ongoing research projects in the department include:
  • molecular biology of the immune system and immune mechanisms of host resistance
  • molecular and cellular aspects of lymphocyte differentiation
  • regulation of gene expression
  • viral pathogenesis and molecular virology
  • molecular virology
  • bacterial physiology and metabolism
  • sporulation
  • microbial genetics
  • diagnostic microbiology
  • molecular biology of symbiotic relationships
  • biochemistry of membrane proteins
  • tumor biology.
We invite undergraduate college students who have demonstrated outstanding scientific aptitude to join us and explore their interests in biomedical research.
Activities for Summer Program Participants: [top]Top of page
  • Orientation and campus tour
  • Welcome luncheon for Undergraduate Students and their mentors
  • Tours of special equipment facilities
  • Presentation skills workshop
  • Ethics in Science workshop
  • Group outing (Past activities include Cubs game, zoo, Museum of Science and Industry, and Museum of Natural History)
  • Forum on career opportunities in science
  • Attendance at scientific seminars and journal clubs
  • Opportunities to present research findings
Frequently asked questions: [top]Top of page
  • My professor prefers to send her/his letter of recommendation separately.  Your instructions state that the application materials should arrive together in the same envelope.  Will you consider my application if my letters are sent separately?  Yes, as long as all of the materials arrive before the deadline.  However, we cannot respond to inquiries regarding completeness of an application.  If you've assembled and mailed the application materials together, you will know that the application is complete.
  • Will you accept letters of recommendation by e-mail? No, letters of recommendation should arrive by mail, express mail, or if necessary, fax.
  • Can I be notified if my application is incomplete?  We ask that the application materials arrive together in a packet, because we are not able to individually contact applicants to inform them of the status of their application.
  • I am a foreign student attending college in the U.S.  Am I eligible for your program?  We accept only U.S. citizens and permanent residents into our program.
  • How many students do you accept into your program? We take approximately 5 students from among over 100 well-qualified applicants each year.
  • My school is still in session when the summer program begins.  If I'm accepted, can I start later? Yes, if our schedule conflicts with that of your undergraduate institution, we will try to accommodate you by shifting your schedule.  However, you may miss portions of the scheduled program. Please indicate such a conflict in a statement that accompanies your application.
  • Is there on-campus or nearby housing available for the 10-week program? No housing is available nearby campus.  Therefore, students must make their own housing arrangements.
  • If I am accepted into the program, what paperwork, etc., must be completed in advance of starting the program? Loyola treats summer students as new employees and therefore, students entering the program complete employee applications, fill out tax paperwork and undergo a health screen in advance of the program start date.  Additional information will be provided to program participants at an appropriate time prior to the program start date.
  • If I am accepted into the program, what hours will I work daily? The working hours vary from lab to lab, and mentor to mentor.  Therefore, there is not a simple answer to that question. All students should expect to work at least 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.  Evening and weekend work may be necessary to complete an experiment or reach a goal.  The 10-week program goes quickly, and students should attempt to participate to the fullest extent.
  • Is parking available? Parking is available on campus for a fee of approximately $50 for the 10-week session.
Eligibility and Funding: [top]Top of page
The program is offered to college students who are interested in biomedical research. Preference is given to students who are currently college sophomores or juniors. Disabled students, minority students and students from smaller liberal arts institutions where comparable research facilities are unavailable are particularly encouraged to apply.

Selection of program participants will be based on the completed application, a copy of the student's undergraduate transcript(s), and two letters of recommendation. These items must arrive together in a single envelope.

Deadline for receipt of all application materials in our office is February 15, 2012

A stipend of $3,000 will be offered to qualified candidates. Lodging and travel expenses will be the responsibility of the student.
For submission of applications or more information contact:

Dr. Dennis Lanning
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Loyola University Medical Center
2160 South First Avenue
Maywood, Illinois 60153
Telephone: (708) 216-5687, or FAX (708) 216-9574
 

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