Friday, June 3, 2011

Summer Undergraduate Research Program Begins

On May 31, 61 undergraduates began the 2011 Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) hosted by the Department of Biological Sciences.

Twenty-five of these students, also known as summer scholars, are strengthening their scientific training by undertaking individualized research projects during the 10-week program. With the guidance of faculty mentors, these undergraduates formulate scientific questions, conduct experiments, and then present their findings at a poster session and symposium. The 14 scholars include four Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)-supported students from Carnegie Mellon University and 10 National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) students from outside universities and colleges.

In addition to the scholars, 30 HHMI Researchers are working within faculty laboratories all across Carnegie Mellon’s campus and the University of Pittsburgh. Twelve rising sophomores are conducting research in groups with assistance from a team of departmental faculty members in the HHMI-sponsored Summer Research Institute (SRI). Finally, five Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) recipients are working within Mellon Institute laboratories.

SURP students not only conduct research throughout the summer, but also attend professional development and social activities organized by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Carnegie Mellon-wide summer research program, Go Research!