The Integrated Biological Sciences Summer Research Program (IBS-SRP) for Undergraduates at the University of Wisconsin -- Madison aims to educate, encourage and prepare high potential students to pursue graduate study and careers in biological research, and to deepen their understanding of evolutionary theory. During this ten-week program students do individual research projects in faculty laboratories studying one of five areas: computational biology & biostatistics, neurobiology, cellular & molecular biology, plant biology, or environmental biology. These five, discipline-based groups of students and faculty form a large interdisciplinary learning community that explores connections across the students' research projects through evolutionary theory and the research process. In addition, the program fosters student professional development and builds cultural competency through workshops on science writing and presentation skills, preparation for graduate school, biological sciences research career opportunities, and ethics in biological research. Each student writes a research proposal at the beginning of the program and a final paper at the end. The paper is presented at a symposium for participants and other invited guests from the campus community. Students who are from ethnic groups underrepresented in biological sciences research, from low-income homes, first-generation college students, or attend small liberals arts colleges with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply. For more information visit the program web site (www.wisc.edu/cbe/srp-bio/) or contact the program director, Dr. Janet Branchaw (branchaw@wisc.edu, 608/262-1182).

Project Report

This National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site grant funded 59 of the 184 students who participated in the 10-week Integrated Biological Sciences Summer Research Program at the University of Wisconsin - Madison from 2006 to 2010. Students in the program did independent research with a faculty mentor in one of six areas: cellular and molecular biology; computational biology and biostatistics; neurobiology; virology; ecology, plants and environmental systems; bioenergy. Each student wrote a research proposal and presented his or her research results at a symposium at the end of the program. Several students also presented their research results at regional or national conferences in the year following their participation. In addition to doing research, students participated in program activities that prepared them for admission and success in graduate school and activities that provided opportunities for them to explore connections between their research projects and the overarching life sciences theme of evolution. The majority of the program participants were members of groups that are underrepresented in the biological sciences at the graduate (PhD) level. Eightyone percent of the NSF funded students were members of underrepresented ethnic groups, 54% were members of low-income families and 53% were the first in their families to attend college. Approximately 58% (107) of all of the program participants had graduated with their B.S. degree at the end of the award period. Of the students who had graduated, 41% (44) were pursuing MS or PhD degrees, and 16% (12) were pursuing MD, DO or PharmD degrees.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI)
Application #
0552806
Program Officer
Sally E. O'Connor
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2006-03-01
Budget End
2012-02-29
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$440,321
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715