Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), this program is a 10-week summer research experience for undergraduates (REU) with mentorship from faculty at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks, ND. The scientific focus of this summer REU program is environmental effects on gene expression and regulation. Some possible research projects involve investigation into environmental influences on epigenetic regulation of cortical development, learning and memory in fish and mice, neural stem cell fate, sex-determination in turtles, stress tolerance in nematodes, and wing patterning in butterflies and moths.
Participants will receive a $6,000 salary/stipend and travel expenses to UND (up to $750 for one round trip). In addition, room and board is covered at UND. Financial support is also available for child care if needed. The program will begin Tuesday, May 28, 2024 and end Friday, August 2, 2024. REU participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its territories. Students who have already received their bachelor’s degrees are not eligible. Please submit applications and letters as soon as possible. Application review will begin no later than March 1. Applications will be accepted through April 15.
REU participants will work in a research laboratory alongside faculty, graduate and undergraduate students. In addition to basic lab procedures, participants will have the opportunity to learn a variety of lab techniques in the fields of cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, molecular biology, neuroscience, systems biology, and others. Students will also participate in weekly training seminars and workshops about science writing and presentations, responsible conduct of research, ethics and sexual harassment, as well as the graduate school application process. The program ends with a research poster session.
Selection criteria include academic performance, as well as educational and career goals. Students with a genuine interest in pursuing a career in science research and/or teaching and from groups underrepresented in the sciences such as those from rural and tribal colleges with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. It is anticipated that up to 15 undergraduate students will be selected to participate in the summer 2024 program. For more information contact Dr. Van A. Doze. van.doze@und.edu or at Tel: (701) 777-6222.
