Announcements

Maravelas Scholarship For Junior Bio Majors

The Department of Biology is pleased to announce the Theresa Biuso Maravelas Memorial Scholarship, which is available to biology majors who are juniors at the time of application. The scholarship will award $1,000 to a student who has clearly demonstrated a passion for Biology, especially in the context of Biology research. To apply, please email the materials listed below to Duncan Irschick (irschick@bio.umass.edu)

1. Curriculum vitae/resume (no more than 2 pages).
2. Two letters of reference (this should be emailed directly to the email address above by the recommender; please do not provide only names)
3. A one page statement explaining your passion for biology, especially in the context of research. However, descriptions of other aspects, such as classwork, community service or biological experiences outside UMASS are also welcome.

The application deadline is April 21.

Junior Fellows 2014-2015 Application Available

About the Junior Fellowship Program:

The year-long Junior Fellowship Program provides an invaluable opportunity for seniors majoring in the life sciences to enhance their research experience through mentoring and professional development activities. Each Junior Fellow particpates in a seminar course that involves discussion of their research projects, as well as topics in modern cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, biomedicine, evolution, biodiversity, and biomedical ethics. At the close of each semester, the Fellows will present a poster session and learn to host a campus-wide research symposium targeted to showcase undergraduate research excellence.

Eligibility:

Students eligible to apply to the Junior Fellows Program include life science majors in their Junior year with an overall grade point average of 3.33 or better. You must be a senior during the academic year 2014-2015 and graduate in May 2015 to be eligible to apply. You must have already worked in a research laboratory for a minimum of 1 semester by the time you submit this application.

Deadlines: Friday, May 2nd, 2014

Applications for the 2014-2015 academic year is now open.

How to apply:

Your application should contain each of the following 6 components for full consideration:

1. Complete the Student Application Form.

2. Upload a Personal Statement (using the "Student Application Form" link above): This essay is a very important part of the application. Please write a 1-2 page essay (less than 1500 words) describing your research interests, academic history, career goals, and any other research experience that will help us assess your application.

3. Upload a Proposed Research Project (using the "Student Application Form" link above): Please develop and discuss the specific goals of your Junior Fellow's research project with your Faculty Sponsor. Then, write a 1-2 page summary of your proposed research plan for the 2014-2015 year.

4. Upload an Unofficial Copy of your Transcript.

5. Request a letter of reference from your Faculty Sponsor. Please provide this URL to your faculty sponsor.

6. Request a second letter of reference: This letter should be from someone (a faculty member, not a TA or postdoctoral supervisor) who can comment on your academic abilities and aptitude for research. We do not recommend that students use employers, unless employment was related to scientific research (such as pharmaceutical company or university lab). Please provide this URL to your second reference.

For information about the program, please contact:

Sam Hazen, Ph.D.
hazen@bio.umass.edu
545-4546

Wei-Lih Lee, Ph.D.
wlee@bio.umass.edu
545-2944

Past Junior Fellows:

2011-2012 Junior Fellows

2010-2011 Junior Fellows

2009-2010 Junior Fellows

2008-2009 Junior Fellows

2007-2008 Junior Fellows

2006-2007 Junior Fellows

Course Applications Available For Fall 2014

Enrollment in some biology courses is by application only.

Research Methodology (BIOL 499E) , Fall 2014.

BioImaging (BIOL 477H) , Fall 2014.

Cellular & Molecular Biology Lab (BIOL 397MH), Fall 2014.

Biology Intensive Orientation Session (BIOS) - Application Available Now

The Biology Intensive Orientation Session (BIOS) is a rigorous academic program designed to enhance the success of first-year students in life science majors. BIOS immerses incoming students in college-level biology coursework, and encourages interactions among academically like-minded students in the week just before the Fall semester. The BIOS experience includes lectures, discussions, writing and test experiences and engagement in a group project for presentation. Students are also embedded in campus life and become familiar with dorm living, dining halls, the layout of campus. Most importantly students meet each other, work together on challenging projects, and have a chance to develop friendships and study groups that can last for their entire college career and beyond. For more information about BIOS, please contact Susan Clevenger (suec@bio.umass.edu, 413-545-2287).

Click here to apply.

Junior Fellow 2013-2014 Awards Announced

The year-long Junior Fellows Program supports the research of outstanding seniors majoring in the life sciences. Each Fellow receives a cash award and participates in a seminar course that involves discussion of their research projects, as well as topics in modern cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, biomedicine, and research ethics. At the close of each semester, the Fellows present a public poster or seminar session.