Hot Leads! in Alphabetical Order
There are numerous outstanding opportunities nationwide, many geared specifically to undergraduate McNair Scholars or for new alumni the months following college graduation. This page provides a list in alphabetical order which notes traditional deadlines. Be sure to visit each website to verify the details. To review these listed in chronological order by deadline month, click here.
Specific listings organized by type you should consider:
Conference Opportunities
Fellowships & Funding for Graduate Study
Research Internships
The American Institute for Biological Sciences - The AIBS Diversity Scholars Program recognizes and promotes the achievements of underrepresented minorities in the biological sciences. Students are competitively selected to be part of a program with goals to encourage and support the biology careers of underrepresented minorities and people with disabilities, and to increase the participation of students from these groups in AIBS programs and activities. Diversity Scholars receive $1,000 in support to present their scientific research at a meeting of their choice among AIBS member societies and participate in the AIBS Annual Meeting. Registration fees are waived and travel expenses paid by AIBS. Scholars are recognized at an annual lunch with Board members and other mentors, receive a full one-year membership, and a one-year subscription to BioScience. The application deadline is traditionally in mid-January of each year.
The AMGEN Scholars Program at UC San Diego is an eight-week, full-time summer research experience for undergraduates funded by the Amgen Foundation. The objectives of the program are to provide students with the skills to become research scholars, stimulate students' serious consideration of graduate study, and increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing advanced study in biological sciences or bioengineering. Applicants must be undergraduate students, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above, and intention to complete the PhD. Preferred Majors include Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bioengineering, and Neurosciences. The experience includes a $3,500 stipend, free on-campus housing and a meal allowance. A $500 travel allowance is offered to non-UCSD students for travel to/from San Diego. The deadline to apply is early February.
APLE (Academic Programs for Learning & Engagement) - APLE provides students enrolled full time in the College of Arts and Sciences with opportunities to do research with faculty members and get hands-on experience. Summer Awards provide $3,000 and Academic Year Awards provide a minimum of $500 to support expenses involved in credit-bearing undergraduate research and creative activities. Each year, there are up to 24 awards available to support activities such as travel to research libraries or other sites to gather data, expenses for supplies and so forth. Visit the APLE website for detailed information and applications. The application deadlines each year are:
The Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP) hosts an annual Student Conference in early April, held at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Student participants should be seriously interested in or currently studying in science-related fields such as allied health, biology, biomedicine, biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, math, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, physics, and public health. Included in the conference for selected students are keynote speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities with faculty advisors. The BSCP is sponsored by the Harvard Medical School Minority Faculty Development Program, the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE), and the Massachusetts Medical Society. The deadline to submit an abstract and apply is traditionally in early January each year.
The Center for Disease Control Collegiate Leaders in Environmental Health Program is a 10-week summer environmental internship for undergraduate students majoring in Environmental Studies, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, or related fields who are passionate about the environment, human health, and the link between the two. Interns participate in environmental health projects, interact with federal officials and scientists, and visit important environmental health sites in the Atlanta area. Other activities include "brown-bag" lunches with CDC staff, lectures from important environmental health leaders, and seminars. The internship program provides a living allowance of $500 per week. Meals, travel and housing are the intern's responsibility. The deadline is traditionally mid-February each year.
The Center for Research on Vermont - The CRV annually selects undergraduate student projects to receive awards in two categories: The Bryan Award, for one-semester course projects, and the Nuquist Award, presented to a culminating study. The awards include cash prizes donated by the Center and are intended to promote excellence in student research on Vermont topics. The award-winning projects, as well as other finalists, become a permanent part of the University of Vermont's Special Collections Department at Bailey/Howe Library where they will be available for the use of researchers. If appropriate, projects may also be presented for possible publication to the Center's editorial board. Each year, there are two important deadlines: early February to submit a letter of intent to compete and early March to submit all required documentation, such as a cover letter, abstract, letter of recommendation from the faculty sponsor, and the research paper.
Clinton Global Initiative Former President Bill Clinton established the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in 2005 to turn ideas into action. A non-partisan initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation, CGI moves beyond discussion, fostering a shared responsibility to address major global problems. Students may submit an application for an individual project or they may submit an application for a group from their university. CGI U is a growing community of young leaders who take real, concrete steps toward solving problems. Prior to attending the meeting, each individual or each university group must develop and submit a "Commitment to Action": a specific plan of action that addresses a pressing challenge on their campus or in the wider global community. Commitments range from installing energy-efficient light bulbs to establishing campus bike share programs, from distributing life-saving water filtration kits to designing medical backpacks from nomadic doctors in Africa. Since the inaugural meeting, nearly 1,000 commitments have been made by students around the world. The CGI U's annual meetings traditionally are held in mid-February of each year. The deadline to apply is early November each year.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory The summer Undergraduate Research Program (URP) at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) was established in 1959 and provides a unique opportunity to learn about genetics, cell biology, neuroscience, and molecular biology by working and living in a scientific community that is renowned for its research and educational programs. The fundamental objective of the URP program is to give students an opportunity to conduct first-rate research. Participants learn about scientific reasoning, laboratory methods, theoretical principles, and scientific communication. Approximately 25 students from around the world are accepted to the 10-week program each summer and work with laboratory staff on independent research projects in the mentor's field of expertise - specifically cancer biology, neuroscience, plant biology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, macromolecular structure, or bioinformatics. In addition to research, participants attend a series of seminars and special events designed specifically for them by members of the laboratory's senior staff. Students receive a $4,000 stipend for their participation and free room and board. The deadline to apply is mid-January each year.
Harvard Forest Research Program in Ecology provides students with an opportunity to participate in on-going research at the Harvard Forest which focuses on the effects of natural and human disturbances on forest ecosystems, including global warming, hurricanes, forest harvesting, and invasive organisms. Researchers come from many disciplines, and specific projects center on population and community ecology, paleoecology, land-use history, aquatic ecology, biochemistry, soil science, ecophysiology, and atmosphere-biosphere exchanges. Students participate in ongoing research projects with researchers from Harvard University, University of New Hampshire, University of Vermont, Marine Biological Laboratory, Ecosystem Center and other collaborators. Responsibilities may include field sampling, laboratory studies, data analysis and scientific writing. Students attend weekly seminars given by nationally known scientists and workshops on graduate school preparation. At the end of the summer, students develop their research results, prepare an abstract, and present their findings at a student research symposium. The application deadline traditionally is early February each year.
HELiX (Hughes Endeavor for Life Science Excellence) HELiX awards two types of grants. Fall and Spring semester minigrants are awarded on a competitive basis to students majoring in the sciences who are conducting research at UVM during the academic year. Up to $500 for research expenses and supplies is available per student. Summer Research Grants are awarded for ten weeks and include a $3,000 salary and a $1,500 research supply budget. Visit the website to verify specific deadlines. Traditionally they are:
The Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program seeks undergraduate students interested in building the technical, professional and personal skills needed to address the global questions of the future. The mission of IGERT is to help undergraduate students find a research program that is right for them, and help IGERT faculty find students that are right for their programs. The mission of IGERT also is to help graduating seniors research and find post-bacc programs that fits their skills, interests and preferred geographic location. As part of its mission, IGERT seeks to increase the participation of underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, in doctorate programs in the engineering, science and mathematics fields. Funded by the National Science Foundation, IGERT programs provide participants with the edge needed to become leaders in their chosen fields. To learn more about IGERT PhD programs located at universities across the country, click here. Deadlines vary among participant programs.
The Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Indentification Program (SR-EIP) offers undergraduates the opportunity to work for 8 to 10 weeks a summer under the guidance of a faculty or research mentor in one of 23 Alliance participants nationwide. Research areas include computer science, engineering, humanities and social sciences, life and physical sciences, and mathematics. This internship provides students with a stipend, housing and some travel funds. The deadline is mid- February each year.
The Massachusetts Center for Renewable Energy Science and Technology (MASSCREST) offers undergraduates a 10-week experience in the science behind renewable energy with funding from the National Science Foundation. Participants are from backgrounds in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering. Ten internships are available and include a stipend of $450 a week, dormitory housing and limited reimbursement for travel costs. The deadline is mid-February.
The MIT Summer Research Program in the Biological Sciences and Related Fields Students accepted to the program receive 10 weeks of training in one of over 70 research laboratories affiliated with the Department of Biology. Students conduct supervised research and receive practical training in areas such as Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Chemical Biology, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, Human Genetics, Genetics, Genomics, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine, Human Disease, Neurosciences, Plant Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Systems Biology, or Virology. The experience includes housing, meals, domestic travel, a stipend and group activities in the greater Boston area. An overall gpa of 3.5 or above is required and the application deadline is late January each year.
The Mount Sinai International Exchange Program invites minority students to participate in an exciting and unique international exchange program. For those interested in a career in the health sciences, interns are given the opportunity to spend 10 to 12 weeks during the summer conducting community-based research under the guidance of a prominent international scientist in one of six countries. Interns will see their research skills strengthened and their cultural and linguistic abilities validated, and will experience and contribute to an international scientific collaboration. Upon their return to the US, interns will be skilled in community-based research and motivated to become key contributors to the nation's quest to address health disparities. US citizenship or permanent residency visa required. Knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese highly desired. The application deadline is mid-January each year.
The National Science Foundation Research Opportunities for Undergraduates The NSF funds a large number of opportunities for undergraduates through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten undergraduates who work in the research programs of host institutions. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location. Students can search for REU Sites by geographic location, research subject areas or keywords. Students must contact the individual sites for information and application materials. NSF does not have application materials and does not select participants. Contact information is unique to each site. Based upon REU site, there are multiple opportunities with varying deadlines.
The Penn State Center for Environmental Kinetics Analysis (CEKA) provides undergraduates with research experience in laboratories of internationally renowned scientists and engineers. Qualified candidates come from a variety of backgrounds, including biology, civil/environmental engineering, earth sciences, ecology, environmental sciences studies, geology, materials sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, physics and natural sciences. The 8-week summer experience includes field trips of scientific interest, professional development seminars, social activities and a mini-symposium. Students receive wages, plus room and board for the summer. The deadline is mid-February.
The Post- Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) is sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences/NIH. PREP provides support to encourage underrepresented minorities who hold a recent baccalaureate degree in the biomedical sciences to pursue a Ph.D. Eligible applicants are U.S. private or public institutions, such as universities and colleges, and research institutions or centers with graduate programs that have experience in training Ph.D. candidates and that offer a solid research environment. The deadline for applications is late January of each year. Visit the site for information, application instructions, a list of participating colleges, and exact deadline for individual programs.
The Public Policy & International Affairs Summer Institute (PPIA) prepares college juniors for graduate studies and a career in public analysis, economics or international affairs. The summer institute is fully funded, including a stipend, room and board, and travel funds. The program runs from mid-June until early August each summer at the following campuses:
More details pertaining to the program, application process, schedule of events, and online registration can be found on the website. The application deadline for the following summer traditionally is early November each year.
Soros Fellowship for New Americans Paul and Daisy Soros are Hungarian immigrants and American philanthropists who created their fellowship program for New Americans in December 1997 with a charitable trust of fifty million dollars. Their reasons for doing so were several. They wished to give back to the country that had afforded them and their children such great opportunities and felt a fellowship program was an appropriate vehicle. They also felt that assisting young New Americans at a critical point in their education was an unmet need. Finally, they wished to signal to all Americans that the contributions of New Americans to the quality of life in this country have been manifold. Fellows receive an annual maintenance grant of $20,000 and the deadline is early November each year.
The United Negro College Fund and Merck Science Initiative (UNCF*Merck) is a multi-year program dedicated to expanding the pool of African American biomedical scientists. Students must be undergraduate juniors (3.3 GPA minimum) or graduate students majoring in the life or physical sciences and interested in biomedical research. Awards consist of a scholarship of up to $25,000 a year and a summer internship at a Merck research facilty with a stipend of $5,000. The application deadline is mid-December each year. Visit the web site for details.
URECA! Undergraduate Research Endeavors Competitive Awards provide support to outstanding undergraduates from all colleges and majors who wish to pursue a specific research project under the mentorship of a UVM faculty member. Each year, 25 URECA awards are granted. For each funded proposal, the student receives a $1,000 scholarship and operating funds not to exceed $3,000. The application deadline for the following academic year traditionally is February 1. Visit the URECA! website for application and details.
University of Delaware Summer Program in Marine Sciences is funded by the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences. Interns work with faculty and research staff in a graduate student atmosphere on a research topic in chemical, physical, or biological oceanography, marine biology, marine geology, or marine biochemistry. The internship takes place at the university's College of Marine and Earth Studies in the resort community of Lewes. This modern campus is located on the shores of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Henlopen State Park. Student support includes a $3,300 stipend, a dormitory fee, tuition for a one-credit course, and travel assistance. The deadline to apply is mid-February.
University of South Florida Summer Research Focus on Mental Health and Substance Abuse is designed for students interested in building research skills and pursuing graduate education in behavioral health. The nine-week summer program increases the research competence of students through mentored research projects, research seminars, skill-building workshops, research rotations, field experiences, and research ethics training. Research projects focus on important areas in mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. Through funding from the NSF, scholars receive a $4100 stipend, tuition scholarship, housing allowance, and conference travel support. The application deadline is early March.
University of Southern California Grad School Fall Visitation USC hosts an annual Graduate College Fall Visitation in mid-November on its campus in Los Angeles. The program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and is targeted toward students in the social, behavioral and economic sciences. The agenda includes a campus tour, visits with faculty and graduate students in areas of interest to the visitor, individual meetings with current PhD candidates, and lunch with the USC Admissions staff. For diverse candidates, travel funds may be awarded. To be considered for travel funding, the deadline to submit an application is mid- October. Email for information and paper application. If selected, scholars are contacted about a followup deadline to submit secondary materials such as a resume, transcript, personal statement and letters of recommendation.
The West Virginia University Center for Neuroscience offers a 10-week research-intensive internship for qualified undergraduate students. Research opportunities incorporate molecular- to systems-level analyses of nervous-system function. Projects are offered in sensory, cognitive, and behavioral neuroscience; in neural injury and neuro- degeneration; and in neuropsychiatric diseases. Interns are expected to devote their time to a well-defined research project under the supervision of a Center faculty member. The experience includes a $3,000 stipend and a $1,000 housing allowance. The deadline is early February.
If you find a link that doesn't work, please let us know.
TRiO / McNair
The McNair Scholars Program is a federal Trio program funded through a grant from the
US Department of Education.
Last modified September 25 2009 11:51 AM
