PULLMAN, Wash. A new program, funded by the National Science Foundation, will give eight undergraduate students from across the nation the opportunity to study plant biology in cutting-edge labs at Washington State University. The Research Experience for Undergraduate program is accepting applications from students wanting real-world experience in plant genomics and biotechnology. Applications are due by March 30 and winners will be notified by April 25. To apply, or for more information, visit http://bit.ly/wsureu.
Undergraduates accepted into the REU site will receive a $5,000 stipend for the 10-week session, free housing,and travel assistance to and from Pullman, Wash.
“We encourage students interested in everything from computer science to ecology to apply for this experience,” said Amit Dhingra, a WSU horticultural genomics professor and the leader of the new program.
Students accepted into the program will participate in ongoing projects while gaining research experience using state-of-the-art tools. Students will take workshops in science writing and ethics; career development and team work; data collection, analysis and visualization; critical thinking; intellectual property and patents; and presentation skills.
A team of eight faculty members will mentor students in genomics, biotechnology, plant breeding, plant pathology and physiology and computational biology.
“We’ve put together a world-class team of mentors who will work with students one on one and in small groups over the 10-week summer research experience,” Dhingra said.
Students will work with scientists who, combined, have trained more than 200 undergraduates as pioneers in research.
“More than ever, the world needs great scientists who can think critically and creatively to tackle global problems,” Dhingra said. “We’re in a world with a growing population, a changing climate, and some severe environmental issues to address, and we need young people who are motivated and passionate to step up and help us solve these problems.