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Howard Hughes Research Fellows Program

June 9- August 1, 2008

Application deadline: Monday, February 18, 2008

THE PROGRAM           

To encourage students with developing interests in research careers in the biological sciences and biomedical sciences, including the newly emerging fields of systems biology, Trinity College offers the Research Fellows Program, an 8-week summer research program on the Duke campus. Approximately 25 first-year students from Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and the Pratt School of Engineering will be selected as participants. The program is supported by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and directed by Dr. Mary Nijhout, Associate Dean of Trinity College. The focus of the Research Fellows Program is an individual research mentorship conducted by each participant in one of the University's laboratories in whole organism biology, biochemistry, cell or molecular biology, immunology, or other areas of the life sciences. Students join project teams defined by faculty mentors and report their results in a poster session held at the end of the program. Seminars, workshops, informational meetings about research careers, and other group activities are required components of the program. The Hughes Research Fellows Program is a full-time research program; thus, participants may not be enrolled in summer courses.

Eligibility | Stipend, Room and Board, Travel | Selection Consideration | Application Procedures | Application Form (pdf)   |  Frequently Asked Questions
 

ELIGIBILITY

Applications will be accepted from first-year students who matriculated in Trinity College or the Pratt School of Engineering in fall 2007 and who have taken or are enrolled in at least one course in the biological or chemical sciences. AP courses in biology and chemistry will satisfy the expectation that you have studied these subjects at the college level. At least one laboratory course is recommended for applicants; a computer programming course or good experience with computer software is recommended for students interested in computational biology or mathematical modeling. We especially welcome applications from women and members of minority groups traditionally underrepresented in science careers. The goal of the program is to give students the opportunity to explore research careers in the biological sciences by acquainting them with the resources of the major research university where they will pursue their undergraduate education.

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STIPEND, ROOM AND BOARD, TRAVEL

Participants will receive a $4,000 stipend paid in three installments during the summer. Students receiving need-based financial aid may apply for up to $200 reimbursement for travel to and from the program. Housing during the 8 weeks will be provided on campus by the program. Participants will be assigned housing, usually on Central Campus in air-conditioned, furnished apartments. Central Campus has an outdoor swimming pool, two lighted basketball courts, four lighted tennis courts, and a park area with picnic tables. Laundry facilities are located throughout the complex. Central Campus apartments are a 10-minute walk (through Duke Gardens) to West Campus; bus service is provided at regular intervals between Central Campus and other areas of the university. Participants must reside in assigned housing and may not make independent arrangements. Former Research Fellows have noted that apartment living in the summer is more enjoyable when they make plans to prepare and share meals and to attend activities on and off campus together.

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SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS

The Research Fellows Program provides an early research opportunity for Duke students who are considering research careers in the life sciences or related areas in the physical or quantitative sciences in which the focus is on biological questions. Therefore, applicants to the program are expected to be enrolled in science and mathematics courses in their first year at Duke and to plan to declare a major in the natural or quantitative sciences. Grades are reviewed during the selection process, but because applicants have completed only one university semester, grades receive less weight than written answers to the application questions. In answering these questions, applicants should provide details that demonstrate their interest in science and research. The letter of reference should address the applicant's readiness for a research experience that is both independent and collaborative.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Please, before emailing the program administrators with questions about the application, use the FAQ link on the Research Fellows web page.  

An application and one reference from a Duke instructor, preferably from a science or mathematics instructor, must be submitted by February 18, 2008 along with an official Duke transcript. (Student's may request a transcript directly through their personal ACES pages or may request a sealed transcript in person at the Registrar's Office). Applications, transcripts, and references should be mailed to the Research Fellows Program c/o The Undergraduate Research Support Office, Box 90051 or delivered to 011 Allen Building (lower level). To avoid any delay, please make sure "Research Fellows" is entered on all materials and addresses. The target date for notifying applicants is the week before spring break.

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 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If I am accepted to and participate in this program, may I enroll in a summer course?
No. The Research Fellows program requires a full time commitment.

How many people apply for this program and how hard is it to get in?
In each of the past several years, about 90 students have applied which makes the selection process very difficult.

When will I be notified? Is there a waitlist?
Students are notified of decisions before the beginning of spring break. There is a short waitlist.

Do you wait to accept students after receiving all applications, or is there a rolling admissions process?
The Committee reviews all completed applications before notifying students of decisions.

May I check which of my application materials have or have not been received?
The URS Office will notify students if the application is not complete. 

How important is academic performance in the selection process?
Grades are reviewed during the selection process, but because applicants have completed only one university semester, grades receive less weight than written answers to the application questions.

I have never done any research – will this hurt my chances?
Not in the least.

If I am accepted into the program, may I continue my research in the same laboratory where I am currently employed or volunteering?
We cannot guarantee that accepted students will be matched with particular mentors, but we will take a student’s request into consideration.

The application says that an eligibility requirement is that I have taken or be enrolled in a biological or chemical science course. I am a prospective biomedical engineering major, and I have not taken biology or chemistry here nor am I currently enrolled in one. I do have AP credit in biology and chemistry.
We recognize that first year students, especially Pratt students, are constrained in course choices. We will take this into consideration. We do want to make sure you will feel comfortable in a university laboratory.

May I submit a resume in answer to questions 4 and 5? Should I include fine arts and performing arts?
No

How long should the answers be to question 3 on the application?
One long or two short paragraphs should suffice for each chosen area.

What type of information should be included in these answers?
Please see the directions on the application.

Can a graduate student instructor or laboratory teaching assistant write the letter of reference?
Yes, but please make sure the TA is a graduate student and not an undergraduate.

I took a very large general lecture course with a professor this past semester, but my lab section was smaller and the graduate TA knows me better. What would be preferable for the recommendation?
We prefer to receive the recommendation from an individual who can comment on the applicant’s work habits and performance. In your case, it sounds as though the TA is the most appropriate recommender, but this is not always the case.

May I ask for a letter of recommendation from a Duke professor under whom I have participated in research, even if I have never taken a class with that person? The reason I am unsure is because some of the statements about the recommendation specifically refer to class activities.
We would prefer to receive a letter from a class instructor.

In the spring I will be taking a 100-level science course, but the applications are due in mid-February, so I will not have been in this class for very long. My current seminar teacher, however, does know me very well, but she is not a scientist. Will it be ok for her to be my faculty reference?
Although we prefer recommendations from science or math instructors, we recognize that it is not always possible for first year students to obtain such letters. Asking a seminar professor or writing instructor is the best alternative.

I was just wondering whether or not the faculty reference could be from a former high school teacher -- or does it have to be from a Duke faculty member?
The recommendation must be from a Duke instructor.

Are non-citizens eligible for this program?
All first year students are eligible to apply and participate, regardless of citizenship status.

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