9322110 Wells This award provides funds to support undergraduates involved in research projects in molecular biosciences. Ten University of Arizona (UA) undergraduates who are part of the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP), a larger program for undergraduates conducting biological research in UA faculty laboratories, will receive support. Students apply to the program and once selected by a faculty/student committee, can choose to work with any of 185 faculty sponsors, 65 of whom conduct research in molecular biosciences. Students interview faculty sponsors to determine where they will work. This insures that students work on a problem that is of interest to them and fosters a productive working relationship with the faculty sponsor and lab group. In addition to the students' research experience, lab meetings and seminars, the program provides an orientation that includes radiation and laboratory safety, animal care and use training, and information on careers, job search strategies and how to get into graduate school. A bimonthly seminar promotes discussion of biomedical, research and environmental ethics. The annual UBRP Conference enables students to present their experimental results and those who have their work accepted for presentation at scientific conferences receive funds to attend. Five Native American students per year from other institutions, particularly at community colleges, will be involved in summer research. Relationships with faculty at other institutions will help recruit students who would not be able to participate in research on their home campuses. They will become familiar with UA, where they could transfer to complete bachelor's degrees. ***
