This award will provide continuing support to the already established undergraduate research program at the Biological Sciences Department of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). This department stresses a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum in modern biology, including strong preparation in the physical sciences. The department has a long tradition of undergraduate involvement in research. Over 60% of undergraduate biology majors at CMU do original research and more than 33% go on to graduate studies. The department is therefore highly suited to provide a site for an undergraduate research experience. Funds will be used to augment and formalize the already existing program. In particular, the proportion of students recruited from other institutions will be increased. Special efforts will be made to attract minority students and students form liberal arts institutions. Students with little or no prior laboratory experience will be provided with an intensive laboratory course before beginning an original research project. A seminar series will be given by faculty on topics in modern biology. And finally, students will prepare a written summary of their summer research and make an oral presentation at a closing symposium for participating students and faculty.
