The electronic application for summer 2010 is now available.
Electronic applications and attachments are preferred.

The REU in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University (MSU) is a 10-week summer research program for students with an interest in biological science, but with little or no research experience. Students will learn the joys and challenges of scientific research by working on projects in cell development, cell biology, or neurobiology. The program consists of an initial two-week, hands-on lab session that will teach participants important biological research techniques. For the remaining 8 weeks, students will use these newly learned skills working in the lab of a faculty member on an NSF or NIH-funded research project.

Applications will be accepted starting January 4 for the 2010 summer program: May 31 - August 6. We are not able to accept students who cannot commit to the entire 10 weeks of the program. Students may not take classes or work at other jobs during this time.

Program Compensation Package
* $4000 stipend
* residence hall lodging, or housing stipend
* food allowance
* travel stipend

Program background and focus

The REU in Cell Biology and Neuroscience started in the summer of 2005, and since then MSU has accepted an average of 10 fellows per summer, from Montana and many other U.S. states. The focus of the program is to help students who are interested in exploring biology-based research opportunities but have little or no research experience-experience that is critical for competitive jobs, graduate school, and/or professional school. Getting started can be challenging, especially for students who come from small, rural communities, have one or more parents who didn't graduate from college, or are women or minorities. Although this program is designed to target these students, all students desiring an introduction to research followed by a genuine research experience in a faculty lab are encouraged to apply.

Program Details

An Introduction to Research

The first two weeks of the research program consist of a number of exciting laboratory exercises that will introduce students to the techniques needed for individual research in a biology lab. Units will be taught by departmental faculty and graduate students who will also serve as mentors during the program. Participants will also learn about career options, ethics, and the role of science in society; will create a professional research poster, and will present their work to their peers. All students attend a weekly seminar covering topics such as communicating science, writing peer reviews, and the importance of science outreach.

Research and Mentoring

One of the greatest challenges for a beginning researcher is finding a faculty mentor. We help match students with faculty mentors who do research in an area that the student is interested in. and work closely with the student and the mentor to make sure that the summer experience is productive, educational, and fun.

Interactions with other Student Researchers

MSU has a large number of summer research programs-in biology, chemistry, physics, transportation engineering, computer science, and the humanities. CBN REU students will get many chances to meet and interact with these program participants, in the residence halls, and through joint research seminars, poster sessions, and social activities.

Presenting your work

The CBN REU program will hold a poster workshop and help students prepare their posters for an end-of-summer poster presentation. Each student will create a professional poster of his or her unique research experience to present to the MSU research community. This poster session is well attended by students, faculty, and MSU administration, so it is a great opportunity to show off your hard work.

Future Possibilities

Participants are expected and encouraged to continue their research and outreach experience after the summer program ends. Scholarships are available for students who arrange to talk about their college research experience to their home-town high school science class or other interested groups-a great way to share what's been learned and practice communicating science to others. Participation in this program also makes you a great candidate for more traditional summer research programs that require lab experience for acceptance.

Who can apply?

The REU in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at MSU is open to students from around the country who are enrolled undergraduate students at an accredited college or university. The program is aimed particularly at students who have an interest in science but who have little or no research experience. First-generation college students and students who attended high schools in rural areas, women, and minority students are especially encouraged to apply. Although this program is designed to target these students, all students desiring an introduction to research followed by a genuine research experience in a faculty lab are encouraged to apply. All applications will be given careful consideration.

Eligible students are those who:

• have not graduated by May 2010
• are biological science majors, or considering a biological science, math, computer science, or chemistry major and are interested in biological research challenges
• are interested in getting research experience, but have not worked in a lab before
• would like to learn more about a career in science or attending graduate school

To apply

Complete and submit the online application form and send Supporting Documents to:
Martha Sellers
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience
PO Box 173505
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717-3505

Applications will be accepted starting January 4, 2010. The preferred application deadline is March 1, 2010, but applications will be accepted until all slots are filled. Students will be notified on or before April 15, 2010 of their selection into the program.

Choosing a mentor

Applicants are asked to request three possible mentors that match their academic, research, or career interests. Mentors can be found on the Summer Program Mentor Page or within the Montana State University website under specific departments.

Supporting Documents

1. Personal Statement: The personal statement is your chance to express yourself and describe to the program admissions committee why you are a good fit for this program. You can discuss your high school and college experiences, describe your personal background, and talk about the career options you are considering. In short, talk about how you've come to your interest in science and what you'd like to do in the future. Your personal statement should be about 2 pages in length (double spaced), saved as a pdf, and emailed to marthab@montana.edu.


2. Transcripts: If your school provides electronic transcripts, you can email them to marthab@montana.edu. If your transcripts are hard-copy only, please forward them to Martha Sellers at the address above.


3. Letters of Recommendation: Letters of reference are an important part of school, internship, and job applications, and you are asked to have two letters submitted for your application. Letter should be from a college professor and/or a high-school teacher who can speak to your relevant curricular expertise, or an employer from a job or volunteer position you've held who can speak to your extracurricular accomplishments. Your recommenders can send an electronically signed letter to marthab@montana.edu, or a hard copy to the address above.

For more information about this program, please contact Martha Sellers at 406.994.7568 or marthab@montana.edu

National REU Site (search for an REU experience around the country)

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