How to get a Summer Research Experience Dr. Valone Department of Biology Saint Louis University

Summer Research Opportunities National Science Foundation Program – Research Experiences for Undergraduates = Summer REU Programs US NSF - REU - Search for an REU Site All fields of Biology ( Molecular Biosciences, Biochemistry, Ecology, Evolution, Microbiology, etc) Universities (& Medical Schools) across the country.

NSF Summer REU Programs Typically: - 10 week program - $4,000 stipend - Free housing - Food stipend (some programs) - Some travel money (e.g. $350) - May get course credit

NSF Summer REU Programs What do you do? - Research guided by a research mentor. - May go to a scientific conference. - Present your results at a research day.

NSF Summer REU Programs How do I apply? 1. Find a program (web search) 2. Apply on-line - Applications are typically due in the spring (March or April).

NSF Summer REU Programs How do I get in? 1. Find a research mentor whose research area matches your interests. 2. Contact potential research mentors. - Are they taking students this summer? - What are they looking for in potential students?

NSF Summer REU Programs Applications: - Require letters of recommendation (2) - 1 page statement of research interests and experiences/career goals/ how will the REU help you achieve your goals? - May include GPA and/or GRE minimum scores

Local Internship Programs  Missouri Botanical Garden (Research and Education Internships)  Missouri Botanical Garden: Current Job Openings Missouri Botanical Garden: Current Job Openings Horticulture Internships Shaw Nature Reserve Litzinger Road Ecology Center The Butterfly House 12 Week programs (mid-May – Mid-August) Paid positions: 40 hours per week

Local Internship Programs  St. Louis Zoo  Internships & Externships :: Saint Louis Zoo Internships & Externships :: Saint Louis Zoo Summer Research Internship program 20 hours per week 6 weeks minimum No stipend, credit possible Research on Behavior, Endocrinology, Reproduction, Nutrition, Conservation

Local Internship Programs  Missouri Department of Natural Resources Internship opportunities available periodically Department Internships - MoDNR Check DNR website  Monsanto Summer internship program Monsanto ~ Careers ~ Getting Started ~ Students & Recent Graduates Monsanto ~ Careers ~ Getting Started ~ Students & Recent Graduates

10 week program Partially funded by NSF REU Download application form at: need: Goal statement, transcript, resume & 2 letters of recommendation Local Internship Programs Danforth Center

Local Internship Programs Pfizer Pharmaceutical  Summer internships typically offer full-time (40 hours per week) experiential training opportunities for a period of 12 weeks.  Instructions for applying:  - Visit Click on: the “Find a Career at Pfizer Inc” linkwww.pfizer.com/careers  - Click on the Job Opportunities link  - Indicate your Geographic Location preference - Groton or New London, CT La Jolla, CA Ann Arbor or Kalamazoo, MI New York, NY St. Louis, MO Cambridge, MA  - In the Job Preferences section choose: ‘Intern’; Click: Search  - Current available openings will be listed. Review & apply to relevant opportunities.

 Requirements include: * Completion of at least one year of college education before beginning internship * Excellent academic record * Demonstrated core competencies, communication, and leadership skills Apply at: Summer Intern Program Local Internship Programs Sigma-Aldrich

Local Internship Programs SLU Biology Labs  Many opportunities to get involved in research here in Macelwane or in the field with SLU Biology faculty  Check out Faculty member’s interests on the Biology Website and contact the person via  Drop by their lab and ask about possible opportunities  Many students volunteer before getting paid positions  Senior Inquiry  Persistence pays off!