The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is sponsored by
the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at The University of
Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and administered by the
Graduate and Minority Recruitment Committees. The program is
designed to provide a stimulating "hands on" experience in
research for undergraduate students who are considering graduate
education in biomedical sciences.
Goals
The primary goal of this program is to provide a group of
college students who have demonstrated outstanding
scientific aptitude and an interest in biomedical sciences
the opportunity to experience research. The program is
designed to increase the student's motivation to pursue a
graduate degree leading to careers in biomedical research.
Rationale
Undergraduate students interested in biomedical sciences
have many career options. This program is designed to
provide them with the research experience to determine if
they wish to pursue a career in biomedical research. The
program is intended to help fill the national need for
investigators from culturally diverse backgrounds capable of
addressing new health problems as they arise.
Program Description
Under the guidance of a selected faculty member, the student
will have the opportunity to learn the basic skills
necessary to contribute to the research effort over the 10
week period, June through August. UTMB has 20 different
departments offering research opportunities for students
interested in biochemistry, immunology, physiology,
virology, microbiology, genetics and pharmacology. A sample
of the techniques a student might learn include maintaining
cell cultures, electrophoresis, chromatography,
immunoassays, animal surgery electrophysiology and
neurochemical assays and protein and nucleic acid molecular
biology. In addition, the students will attend various
scientific seminars and journal clubs held during the
summer. Finally, all participants will display the results
of their research efforts at a poster session to be held at
the end of the program.
Eligible Students
The program is offered to college students who are
contemplating graduate studies in the biomedical sciences.
Selection of the students will be based on the completed
application, an unofficial transcript from the student's
undergraduate institution(s), a nominating letter from the
student's major advisor and recommendation from one other
faculty member.
Funding
Funding includes a generous stipend. Students must pay their
own travel expenses to and from Galveston, Texas.
For submission of applications or more information
contact:
Ms. Lynn Davis, The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences,
Suite 5.108 Administration Bldg., Mail Route 0132. The
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555
0132. Telephone: (409)772 2665, or FAX: (409)747 0772, or
Email gradsch@utmb.edu.
