MIT Biology/BCS/CBMM Summer Research Internship
The Department of Biology, Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences and the Center for Brains, Minds and Machines at MIT offer a joint 10-week research-intensive summer training program in the biological sciences, neurosciences or biomedical-related fields to advanced sophomore and junior science majors from other colleges and universities who have an interested in a research career. This summer internship program is funded in part by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the National Science Foundation, and the MIT School of Science.
Program Eligibility:
Be current sophomores or juniors who have successfully completed introductory courses in the biological sciences (Seniors in a 5-year program are also eligible)
Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA in the science courses.
Have demonstrated an interest in basic research and in a career in the sciences.
Preference will be given to applicants from non-research intensive colleges and universities. Foreign students are not eligible unless they are currently enrolled as full-time undergraduates at a college or university in the U.S. on a student visa.
Program Goals:
The summer program is primarily designed to encourage students from under-represented minority groups, first-generation college students, and students from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds to attend graduate school and pursue a career in basic research by providing them the opportunity to conduct supervised research in a top-notch research institution in a supportive learning environment with plenty of interaction with graduate students and faculty. Over 85% of past participants have enrolled in top graduate programs within two years of completing this summer program. A number of our summer interns were also awarded Goldwater Scholarships, 3-year pre-doctoral NSF fellowships, or 5-year Gilliam Fellowships for Advanced Study.
This summer program provides a unique opportunity for students who do not have access to top-notch research facilities at their own institution to conduct supervised research in a fast-paced environment with state-of-the-art research facilities, and to experience first hand the social and cultural environment at MIT.
Program Description: Students accepted into the program receive their 10-week practical training in one of over 90 research laboratories affiliated with the Department of Biology or the Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences at MIT.
Areas of research are very diverse and include Biochemistry & Biophysics, Bioengineering, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Chemical Biology, Computational & Systems Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Human Genetics, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine & Human Disease, Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Cognitive Sciences, Computational Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Plant Biology, Structural Biology, Systems Biology, or Virology.
In addition, students receive training in reading and discussing scientific research papers, are exposed to scientific writing, practice giving oral presentations on their summer research and meet with various faculty to discuss scientific careers.
Students accepted into the program receive:
Campus housing.
A weekly stipend
Travel allowance to and from MIT (domestic travel only).
An MIT email account.
Subsidized pass to the athletic facilities.
Wireless internet access.
Access to the MIT Medical Department.
Organized social activities and weekend outings.
Students are expected to work full-time in the laboratory, to participate in weekly lab meetings, and attend weekly academic and research seminars. The weekly seminars cover such topics as applying to graduate school, giving an oral presentation, writing a research abstract, learning about various career options available to Ph.D. graduates. These seminars are designed to help students improve their presentation skills and to be more competitive applicants. Students will also have the opportunity to attend departmental retreats, research symposia, research seminars, and meet with various faculty members
During the summer, students have several opportunities to give oral presentations on their research. At the end of the program students give a poster presentation on their research, submit a 5-page research summary, and a one-page personal statement about their summer experience at MIT. Students are also invited to participate in weekend social activities, visit a local Biotech, and visit Boston and its vicinity. Students take a guided tour of Boston and the Freedom Trail, a one-day trip to Martha's Vineyard, a 4th of July barbecue, and a Boston Harbor cruise.
Students in the MIT summer program live together on campus in shared suites with kitchens. This housing arrangement promotes social interactions and provides a wonderful opportunity to forge long-lasting friendships with peers in the program.
The application deadline is January 30, 2015. The online application will be turned off at 5:00 PM on January 30. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by March 15, 2015.
A complete application consists of:
The filled online application form
Three letters of reference from science faculty, to be submitted electronically. At least one letter must be from a research mentor or lab supervisor. Please note that applicants must include a letter of reference from their most recent research experience (including if applicable from a summer research experiences at another institution).
Unofficial college transcript (scanned or otherwise, to be submitted electronically)
Official college transcripts (to be submtited in hard-copy - must be postmarked by January 30).
Please submit your official transcripts to:
MSRP Bio
Mandana Sassanfar
MIT Room 68-270A
77 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139
Application Deadline:
January 30, 2015
Documents:
