This award provides funds to the Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (PMBB) to establish a research experiences for undergraduates (REU) Site. PMBB is an independent campus-wide unit created to promote genetic engineering research and education at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Academically promising students chosen from a national pool will participate in ongoing research carried out by a select group of PMBB faculty. Emphasis will be placed on recruitment of students with limited research opportunities and on students from groups historically underrepresented in the sciences. Two students will be funded by the UNC School of Medicine and eight funded by the NSF REU program. In addition, matching University funds will be available and earmarked for two additional minority students, for a total of 12 participants. The overall goals are to (1) introduce students to a range of biological research and techniques, particularly in molecular biology and molecular genetics, (2) familiarize students with the process of independent research, (3) promote developments of laboratory and communication skills, and (4) provide counseling to aid students in selection of graduate programs. To meet these goals students will (1) work for ten weeks with faculty on projects having meaningful scientific objectives and derived from ongoing research, (2) attend weekly research topic discussions with each faculty preceptor, (3) attend a workshop in which Directors of Graduate Studies from various departments provide students with advice and information about Ph.D programs, and (4) present the results of their research in talks before the campus community.
