This REU site focuses on the application of biochemical, molecular and genomic techniques to basic biological problems (molecular biosciences). Students choose to perform research with one of the faculty mentors, who are drawn from several departments including Molecular & Cellular Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Plant Sciences, and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Possible research projects include the study of bacterial genomics, the genetic basis of fitness, the role of microbial symbionts in insects, the function of molecular chaperones/heat shock proteins, epigenetic control of gene expression, and others. The program is 12 weeks long and starts the third week of May. In addition to research experience, students participate in scientific and professional development seminars designed to prepare them for graduate studies. Students are recruited nationally. Those who have little or no opportunity to do research on their home campuses and minority students from groups underrepresented in science are encouraged to apply. Students are provided a stipend, housing and meal allowance, and travel to and from the lab. More information and application materials are available at http://ubrp.arizona.edu/visiting/default.html, or by contacting Carol Bender at 520-621-9348 or bender@email.arizona.edu or the PI, Dr. Elizabeth Vierling.
