REU Program at Wadsworth Center
The Wadsworth Center participates in summer research experiences for undergraduates. Students are selected from colleges across the country to work for 10 weeks (from June 3 through August 9, 2013) on independent research projects in the laboratories of Wadsworth scientists.
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button.The focus of the 2013 Wadsworth Center’s summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is “Networked Ventures for Collaborative Biological Discovery”. The primary objective of this program is to provide cutting-edge research experiences in collaborative scientific discovery to undergraduate students, including underrepresented minorities, to help them gain insight into how scientific research is conducted.
Students can choose either a traditional, single-mentored research project, or a networked collaborative project (Figure 1). In these collaborative projects, two students are networked together with one or two mentors to tackle a common research problem. The diverse range of projects covers molecular genetics, cell biology, neuroscience, and structural, as well as, computational biology. All of these are pursued within a close-knit environment that will provide a uniquely enriching research training opportunity for undergraduates. The strength of this program is clearly delineated by the robust external research funding of mentors and the intellectual achievements and peer-reviewed publications of REU students and mentors.
Figure 1. Network of Mentors and Collaborative Projects.
Each octagon represents an REU mentor or collaborator at the Wadsworth Center; each line represents an on-going collaborative project between them. The Ph.D. mentors by number are:
1. Nilesh Banavali, 2. Sam Bowser, 3. Sudha Chaturvedi,
4. Joan Curcio, 5. Todd Gray 6. Joe Jaeger, 7. Mike Koonce, 8. Laura Kramer,
9. Hongmin Li, 10. Susan Madison-Antenucci,
11. Nicholas Mantis, 12. Anne Messer, 13. Randy Morse, 14. Janice Pata,
15. Haixin Sui
Computational Characterization of Macromolecular Structure & Function |
Understanding Antibody Neutralization of Plant (Ricin) and Bacterial Toxins |
Most Memorable Moments of 2011-2012 REU Students
“My most memorable REU moment was getting ready to do our end-of-the-project talks because it was the most nervous, yet accomplished I've felt. Also, I enjoyed it when I worked together with the other REU students as we scrambled in our last practices and then celebrated everything when the talks were over.” - Anna, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY (Freshman).
“This summer I not only experienced and enjoyed science first hand, but I also had an extraordinary time meeting excellent scientists and mentors. I loved the fact that everyday there was something to learn and wonder about!” - Francy, SUNY-New Paltz, NY (Freshman, 2011).
“Wadsworth gave me the opportunity to experience real science. I learned a lot from my mentors, and obtained many experiences. I also met many interesting scientists. I never thought this could be possible because I was a freshman in college. I did not know how difficult science really is, but I also learned that it only takes faith, perseverance and a little imagination to do it.” - Héctor, Univ Metropolitana, San Juan, PR. (Freshman).
“The best part of the REU internship experience was discussing and constructing a flow chart diagram that allowed my lab partner and me to see all that we had accomplished in ten weeks time.” - Amanda, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA (Sophomore, 2011).
“My most memorable moments included …” having a small pool party with some of the other students on a scorching hot day, and the final dinner with mentors and students. … at the final dinner because it was filled with both joy and sadness. Joy because we all got through our presentations and could relax, but also great sadness because in our short time together my mentors and peers became family, and it was so sad knowing that we would all be leaving.” -Anton, Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn, NY (Sophomore, 2011; now at SUNY- Stony Brook, Long Island, NY)
“My most memorable moment was definitely cliff jumping up by Saratoga on a weekend trip with my REU colleagues. Nothing matches the adrenaline rush of swan diving off a waterfall and plummeting for 30 feet headfirst into a spring.” - Tanner, Rose-Hulman Inst. Technol., Terre Haute, IN (Sophomore).
“The Wadsworth REU program provided me with a unique look at non-academic research. I have learned more than I could have ever imagined in such a short time and have had a wonderful time doing it. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.” - Yudi, SUNY - Binghamton, NY (Sophomore).
“The thing I loved the most about my time in the REU program this summer was being around individuals my age, who shared my passion for science and learning. I've made memories I'll cherish forever, with friends that I'll never forget.” - Olivia, Coll. St. Rose, Albany, NY (Junior)
“My most memorable research-related experience was successfully casting and scanning a sequencing gel (which is about as big as my torso) after failing many, many times.” - Sam, Iowa State University, Ames, IA (Junior, 2011).
Highlights from Seminars and Activities of 2012 REU Program
Highlights of this year’s activities included a seminar given by a former REU student who is now a tenured professor at Bucknell University working on the loss of chromosome cohesion during anaphase in cells of orb-weaving spiders; an history of ethics in science seminar given by a fellow at the Harriman Institute of Columbia University on Psuedoscience: A brief history of "The Lysenko Affair", a seminar by a member of the National Academy of Science on how basic research on inteins fuels biotechnology and evolutionary concepts, a fascinating seminar on Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI), and a seminar by a Howard Hughes Postdoctoral Fellow at the Wadsworth Center focusing upon career pipelines and networks as bridges for success.
Application Process
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Ensure Eligibility
Applicants are sought who are undergraduates majoring either in a natural or basic science (biology, chemistry, computational modeling, genetics, mathematics), who will have completed their first, second or third year of study by the summer, and who are interested in attending graduate school with the goal of pursuing a career in science. Students graduating May 2013 are not eligible. If you meet these eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply to the program. -
Send the following materials to reu@wadworth.org
In addition to the on-line application, interested students should submit directly to the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (reu@wadsworth.org): i) a resumé, ii) official college transcripts, iii) two letters of recommendation from faculty members (or other professional persons), and iv) a one-page summary stating both their field of interest and why they wish to participate in the Wadsworth Center's REU program. The resumé and summary statement should be submitted together either as an attached pdf or word file labeled with your lastname and two initials eg. KeithlyJS Res/Statmt. Recommendations from faculty or mentors should also be submitted directly to the online site and labeled similarly eg. KeithlyJS Rec. Applications are encouraged from students attending colleges with limited research opportunities and from students who are members of groups underrepresented in the sciences, such as women, racial minorities, veterans, the physically challenged, and who are first in their family to attend college. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and upon acceptance will receive a stipend of $4800, plus paid on-campus housing, and travel to and from Albany.Summer Undergraduate Research Program
Wadsworth Center, Room E-275
Empire State Plaza, Box 509
Albany, NY 12201-0509
Phone: (518) 473-6961
e-mail: reu@wadsworth.org
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Submit Online Application
On-line applications for the 2013 Research Experience are now being accepted, applications will continue through Friday, March 1, 2013. -
Add any additional personal information
Students from groups that are underrepresented in the sciences, as outlined above, are encouraged to apply.
To provide us with any information pertinent to this application, please do submit the Student Information Form (available here).
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