BSCD Quantitative Biology Summer Fellowship - 2024

BSCD Quantitative Biology Summer Fellowship

About the Fellowship

The quantitative biology summer research fellowship is an opportunity for students to pursue a research project in any field of biology (e.g. ecology and evolution, systems biology, statistical genetics) using quantitative tools (e.g. statistical, computational, or mathematical methods) and to learn new quantitative ideas and skills. The research projects must be primarily computational in nature, although students may also engage in experimental data collection to support their aims. In addition to working on research under the guidance of a faculty PI of their choice, fellows will participate in regular self-directed learning activities facilitated by the fellowship director, Dr Kondrashov, with the aim of acquiring new quantitative skills to serve their research aims and to enhance their expertise. To support these aims, the program will foster a community of undergraduate scholars to help each other learn and grow in the interdisciplinary field.

The Fellowship awards a $5500 stipend for the summer research period, as well as $1500 for research expenses and supplies made available to the PI.

Duties and Responsibilities 

The purpose of this summer fellowship is to complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor as well to participate in collaborative learning projects together with other fellows. You will work on research tasks with the guidance of your research mentor, identify quantitative questions and share them in the weekly seminar with the other fellows.  Additionally, they will identify specific learning objectives together with other fellows and achieve them with the guidance of the fellowship director. These may include substantial data analysis, programming using a high-level programming language (e.g. R or python), learning new software, and using high-performance computing resources at the University. All fellows will be expected to read research papers and find information resources necessary to advance their projects. At the end of the summer period, students will present their research results in a mini-conference.

Requirements

The main requirement is interest in quantitative biology, demonstrated by coursework or research experience in biological sciences and quantitative methods broadly defined. Specific useful skills include experience with at least one high-level programming language (e.g. python, R), knowledge of basic statistics and data analysis, and mathematical modeling. Your experience in one or more of these areas can be demonstrated either through coursework or relevant research experience. Some biological experience is required, but a declared biology major is not necessary. Excellent teamwork and a desire to learn in a collaborative environment is essential. The work will not require physical skills beyond operating a computer.

Class Level Eligibility 

Undergraduate students who have completed at least one year in the College.

Required Materials

• Statement explaining your interest in quantitative biology, including quantitative background, biological questions you would like to study, and the skills that you would like to acquire or expand; plus a short explanation of how you can benefit from and contribute to the group learning projects. An existing research project or PI is not necessary (if you are offered the fellowship, the director will help you find a mentor), but if you would like to continue a project that you have started, then describe it.
• Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcript

Please submit all materials as PDF Files.  

Expiration Date

April 1, 2024

Please Note: If you are applying to multiple BSCD Fellowship Grants, please fill out the following BSCD Preference Form - https://careeradvancement.wufoo.com/forms/bscd-research-2024/