Research Opportunities

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Biology Department
Adrianne Prokupek-Pickett, Department Chair
Lincoln, NE 68504
(402) 465-2466
aprokupe [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (aprokupe[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu)

Research Opportunities

WhereApplication DeadlineComments
Nebraska's Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE)February 19The INBRE project is designed to enhance the competitiveness of biomedical research in Nebraska by developing the human and technological resources essential for cutting edge research in functional genomics. More information is available at Nebraska INBRE Program. See Dr. Bricker, OLIN 213, 402.465.2446, the NWU site coordinator, for application materials.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
variesThis program provides educational opportunities for Undergraduate Students. This program provides indirect funding for undergraduate students to participate in research. To inquire about possible funding opportunities, please contact the organizations that have received awards. (Do not contact NSF.) For more information along with contact information, see the directory of active REU Sites.
Dept. of Microbiology and Immunology
Creighton University School of Medicine
Omaha, Nebraska
Contact faculty memberMicrobiology and Immunology. Dr. Swanson investigates. A former NWU student manages his laboratory. pswanson [at] creighton.edu (pswanson[at]creighton[dot]edu)
Dr. Richard Bessen investigates prions. rbessen [at] creighton.edu (rbessen[at]creighton[dot]edu)
Cedar Point Biological Station
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (near Lake McConaughy)
Open until courses are fullField Courses with independent research: Primarily for students interested in field research. A variety of courses offered each summer. It is possible to expand required independent projects into senior research. Contact individual faculty members to ensure they are willing to supervise you. Multiple sessions each summer. Room and board cost is due at registration. For more information, visit Cedar Point.
Department of Entomology
University of Nebraska - Lincoln (East Campus)
Lincoln, Nebraska
Contact Dr. Heng-MossDr. Tiffany Heng-Moss investigates insect-plant interactions. 402.472.8708
Dept. of Plant Pathology
University of Nebraska - Lincoln (East Campus)
Lincoln, Nebraska
Contact faculty memberPlant Pathology. Dr. Van Etten researches plant viruses. 402.472.3168
Dr. Powers researches nematodes. 402.472.5726
Dr. Geiser researches plant virus diagnostics. 402.472.8723
Summer Research Program
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
February 15The Nebraska Summer Research Program offers qualified undergraduates the chance to work with faculty whose expertise is closely related to the students' academic interests and career goals. This intensive summer research experience previews graduate school life while also providing many benefits including travel, stipend and living expenses. For more information, see UNL Summer Program.
Epply Institute for Research in Cancer
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska
March 1Designed to provide research experiences for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in science. Students spend 10 weeks in a laboratory conducting research and present a poster describing the results of their research at a Research Colloquium at the end of the summer. For more information, see Epply Institute for Research.
M.D.-Ph.D. Summer Undergraduate Research Program
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska
March 1For students interested in combining an interest in medicine with an interest in scientific research. This program is designed to expose students to this type of research. They will have a faculty supervisor and a stipend of $3,000 is provided for 10-week commitment.
Neurodegeneration Laboratory
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska
March 1Summer research opportunities on projects related to AIDS, HIV-1 associated dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. The program, formally called the Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders, is part of UNMC Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience. The Neurodegeneration Lab is run by Dr. Howard Gendelman who often gives presentations to NWU students.
Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Office of Student Services
Omaha, Nebraska
March 1Summer research experience on topics ranging from molecular biology to human diseases. Program starts in June and normally runs 6 weeks. Stipends and other support are determined by each participating department.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Pharmacology
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska
No official deadline - start accepting students March 1The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience offers a summer research programs for undergraduate students. Students receive housing and a stipend.
Game and Parks Commission
Lincoln, Nebraska
Contact Dave OatesMr. Oates is involved in the forensics of wild animals.
Henry Doorly Zoo
Omaha, Nebraska
Contact Dr. LoskutoffDr. Naida Loskutoff is a reproductive physiologist and is on staff at Henry Doorly Zoo. She works on strategies to preserve endangered species and her primary work appears to be issues associated with, or related to, captive breeding. 402.733.8401 x-220 NaidaHDZ [at] aol.com (NaidaHDZ[at]aol[dot]com)
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)no specific deadlineResearch Opportunities Abroad for Undergraduates:  HHMI supports a variety of medical research-related activities around the world. This is their effort to link up interested undergraduates with HHMI-supported scientists in their International Scholars program. To review the scientists, visit Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Individual arrangements, such as the timing of the student visit, are made out with the scientist you are interested in working with (assuming they want you).
Organization of Biological Field StationsvariesField Studies:  Field Courses with independent research: The Organization of Biological Field Station provides a listing of classes at a wide variety of Biological Stations around the United States and the world. You may be able to take a course (and be charged tuition, room & board, etc.) and expand an independent project into a senior research project.
Research positions at field stations are also listed on the website.
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)

Argonne Student Research Participation Program and other Dept. of Energy labs, Argonne, Illinois
SULI sites vary


February 1 for Argonne
For students interested in science and engineering. These programs extend for a 10-week period which begins in May and runs through August. There is some limited flexibility in the appointment period. Learn about the SULI program.
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana
Most are the first week of FebruaryVarious programs ranging from animal behavior to genetics. Stipend is $1,000. Information can be found at Indiana University biology research.
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
late FebruaryOpportunities for summer research experience in protein engineering, biotechnology, and genetics. The 10-week program includes a stipend, housing, meals and potential travel funds. For more information, visit Iowa State University research opportunities.
Medical Scientist Training Program MD/PhD
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
early FebruaryMedical Scientist Training Program: A Combined M.D./Ph.D. Program. An intensive experience for undergraduates interested in combined M.D./Ph.D. training for a career as a physician-scientist. The 8-week SUMR program provides students with a competitive stipend, experience in research laboratories and exposure to clinical medicine and medically-relevant research.
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Iowa City, Iowa
varies by programA plethora of undergraduate research opportunities. See their University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine for additional information about program specifics and deadlines.
Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics
University of Kansas
Kansas City, Kansas
April 1Assisted by a faculty mentor, students will perform basic research in Pharmacology or Toxicology, or in affiliated research centers. Students will receive a stipend for completing the 10-week program.
Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory
Salisbury Cove, Maine
early JanuaryResearch in marine biomedical science, molecular biology, cellular physiology, environmental toxicology and functional genomics available. Students are provided with food, housing, travel funds, and a stipend. Six to eight week time period. For more info, visit MDI biological laboratory.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole, Massachusetts
February 15Students who are interested in oceanography and/or marine policy and have completed their junior or senior year may apply. A fellowship is awarded to perform independent research within a 10-12 week program. Travel may be provided. For further information visit Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Hope College
Holland, Michigan
Applications accepted after December 1Research with individual faculty at Hope College,
Holland, Michigan. Summer stipends are available.
Visit Hope College biology department.
Undergraduate research page
Hope College
Holland, Michigan
variesA list of research opportunities can be found at Hope College research.
Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
University of Minnesota
(35 miles north of Minneapolis and St. Paul) Minnesota
usually March 1Research Interns available June through August, but some interns are needed in early May and some until late September. For undergraduates or a newly graduated students who want a career in ecology or environmental science, or if you have a strong background and interest in flora of the great plains.
Summer Undergraduate Research Program (URP)
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cold Spring Harbor, New York
January 15The Undergraduate Research Program (URP) provides one of the few places in the world where young people are instructed in the techniques of modern biology while becoming integrated members of a vibrant scientific community. Approximately 25 students from around the world will be accepted to the 10-week summer program to work with senior Laboratory staff members on independent research projects, specifically in areas of: Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, Plant Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Macromolecular Structure, and Bioinformatics. Program dates are June-mid August. Deadline for receipt of applications is January 15 of each year. Room and board provided. For more information, visit Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Oregon Institute of Marine Biology
University of Oregon
Charleston, Oregon
Open until courses are fullField Courses with independent research: Primarily for students interested in marine biology topics. A variety of courses offered each summer. Tuition, room and board are required. For more information, visit Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
variesGreat opportunity for undergraduates planning graduate study and careers in systematics and evolutionary biology. Program is from June 6 to August 12. Housing, research expenses, some travel funds, and a $350 stipend per week are provided.
Science Summer Undergraduate Research Program
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
usually late January"This program is for undergraduates seriously contemplating research careers in biological sciences, biochemistry, biophysics, or computational biology" (from their flyer). They provide a stipend, housing, and a food allowance. Participants will perform research under the guidance of a faculty member. For more information, visit University of Pittsburgh.
University of Texas Health Science Center
Houston, Texas
February 1Biomedical Research.  "The purposes of this program are to provide undergraduates with first-hand biomedical research experience in the basic or clinical sciences." Students perform research under the supervision of a faculty member. They provide a stipend. Program runs from the end of May to the beginning of August. For more information, visit University of Texas Health Science Center.
Baylor College of Medicine
Waco, Texas
January 10Nine week summer research internship. Free SMART GRE prep course included. Housing provided. Physician job shadowing included (4 hours). A stipend is provided. For more information, visit Baylor College of Medicine.
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
February 15Plant Pathology. Preference given to students with a demonstrated interest in plant sciences. Participants will receive a stipend and supplementary allowances for housing, food, and travel. Health insurance is provided if needed. Participants will have access to campus libraries and athletic facilities. Students perform research under the guidance of a faculty member.