The Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience (CURE) Program, funded by the National Cancer Institute at NIH, allows high school students and college freshmen from underserved minority populations to receive state-of-the-art training in basic, clinical, and population based cancer research. Participants have the opportunity to investigate the mechanisms by which hormones, growth factors, receptors, and viruses control cell fate, oncogenesis, metastasis, and cell growth. Successful applicants are assigned to a specific lab based on the area(s) of interest listed on their personal statement, and participate in all aspects of that lab's research. Students also attend a weekly seminar series, including topics on the basics of cancer research and career counseling. For more information, visit http://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/Education/Training.cfm#CURE or contact Dr. Robin Leikin at 312-908-9229 or rleikin@northwestern.edu.

 

The National Science Foundation-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program provides opportunities for undergraduates to engage in hands-on materials-related research at Northwestern University for 9 weeks over the summer. Participants come from major universities and small colleges around the country. On the first day, participants receive an orientation of the program, the campus, and safety procedures in the laboratory. Under the guidance of Northwestern faculty, postdoctoral, and graduate student mentors, each participant focuses on a research project and conducts laboratory experiments. Students present their progress weekly to the group and the faculty program director. Group events, such as the Chicago day trip, beach picnic, facility tours, graduate student forum, and guest lectures provide time for socialization with fellow participants and mentors. At the end of the program, participants present their research at a closing symposium and submit their final research reports. To qualify for admission, applicants must be U.S. citizens; undergraduate juniors, sophomores, or freshmen; and majoring in materials science, physics, chemistry, or engineering. Because of our commitment to admitting a high percentage of underrepresented minorities and women, our educational programs represent a diverse group of students. For more information and an application, visit http://www.mrsec.northwestern.edu/content/educational_programs/reu.htm or contact Klara Mueggenburg at 847-491-3606 or mrc@northwestern.edu .

Northwestern University is fast becoming known as “Nano U” because of its world-renown faculty and first-class facilities. The International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University oversees a number of REU programs that provide unique summer experiences for undergraduates majoring in the life sciences or engineering. 

Over 9-weeks in the summer, REU students participate in hands-on research, group meetings, research seminars, facility tours, and field trips. They have access to world-class equipment and world-renown faculty. Interactive workshops provide a fun setting to learn and practice communication fundamentals and the way to organize and develop winning academic papers. There are also opportunities to publish in Nanoscale the first undergraduate research journal on nanotechnology in the country, and informal get-togethers like the summer picnic.

REU students receive a stipend of $4,000 plus round-trip airfare and housing in Northwestern dormitories. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information and an application, visit our site at www.nsec.northwestern.edu/REU.htm or contact Denise Dooley at 847-467-4862.