Undergraduate Research Scholars Program University of Delaware Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Objectives:

In September 1998 and again in 2002 the Undergraduate Biological Sciences Education Program of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute awarded the University of Delaware a major grant to support a variety of initiatives including undergraduate research. The goal of this initiative is to encourage the participation of undergraduates in active research programs relating to the biomedical sciences.

Eligibility:

To apply a student must have a cumulative grade point index of at least 3.00.  Research may consist of assistance on a faculty member's project and/or on an independent project that is related to and supervised by the faculty member.  Most awards are for the summer between the sophomore and junior years; however, exceptional first-year students and juniors with a successful research history can also apply for summer funding.  A limited number of awards will be made during Winter Session primarily to seniors who have well established research projects, and are writing a senior thesis.  Although majors in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology normally apply for HHMI support, applications are encouraged from students in other areas (e.g. chemical engineering, nutrition, medical technology, physics, mathematics, computer science, etc.) who are working on biomedically related projects.  Support is also available for one or two students each summer from Lincoln University and from Delaware State University.

Expectations:

Students accepted as HHMI Scholars are expected to devote full time to their  research for at least 10 weeks during the summer and submit a written summary of their research experience at the end of the summer.  In addition, HHMI Scholars from the University of Delaware are expected to continue their projects during academic year following the award and present poster sessions or talks on their work at the end of the summer program and in the following spring. The research may become part of a senior thesis for the Degree with Distinction or Honors Degree.  Students who plan to take courses over the summer or expect to transfer to another school are not eligible for HHMI support.

Stipends:

Scholars will receive a stipend of $3000. In addition, each scholar will receive a summer housing allowance of $500. If a Scholar lives in a double room in an Undergraduate Research residence hall on campus for ten weeks, this $500 will cover the student's room charges.  If a Scholar chooses to lives in a single room in a UR residence hall, the $500 allowance will reduce the cost of the single room by $500.  If a Scholar lives off-campus, the student will receive the $500 housing allowance as cash along with the stipend. Up to $750 in laboratory expenses is available for sponsors without major external funding.    Laboratory expenses include the purchase of supplies and materials directly associated with the research.  They will be used in the laboratory and remain with the supervisor's laboratory after the project is completed.  Books for personal use cannot be purchased with these funds.  Laboratory funds may be used during the fall, winter, and spring through the end of April following the award.

Application Procedure:

Summer:   Applications will be coordinated through the Undergraduate Research Program.  Applicants should indicate clearly that they wish to be considered for the HHMI program.  Sophomores not selected for HHMI awards will be considered for the Junior Science and Engineering Scholars Program.   The application should include:

• a two-to-three page description of a proposed research project and a statement of its biomedical relevance as well as its relation to the faculty sponsor's research
• a current transcript (can be unofficial)
• a letter from the faculty supervisor, and
• a recommendation from someone who has knowledge of the applicant's laboratory or problem-solving skills e.g. a teaching assistant, faculty member, or work supervisor.

Winter:  Juniors and seniors who will be doing full-time research on a well-established project over Winter Session can apply for a limited number (~10) of $500 awards.  Awards will be made to qualified students, but preference will be given to students who are:

• committed to writing a senior thesis;
• have applied to graduate programs in the biomedical sciences;
• have been previously supported by a summer undergraduate research award, such as from HHMI, Peter White, or the Undergraduate Research Program;
• will not be funded from another source; and
• whose research has been, or is likely to be, published in a peer-reviewed journal.

• A letter requesting funding that addresses the preference issues above and describes the Winter Session plans.  The letter needs to be counter-signed by the research supervisor.
• Appendices to the letter should document progress on a research project and include any other items that would support the application.  Such items might include a research report, a reprint or manuscript in preparation, and/or lists of graduate programs being considered.  In general, winter awards are for research accomplishment, whereas summer awards are for research promise.
• Current Transcript

During its first four years, the University of Delaware HHMI Undergraduate Research Scholars Program has funded about 100 students for their winter or summer research projects. Check out what alumni of the program are doing.

Questions:

Contact Prof. Hal White, 123 Brown Laboratory. Phone 831-2908.