REU in Chemical Biology at Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

This award from the Division of Chemistry and Biological Sciences supports the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site at the Vanderbilt University for the summers of 2009-2011. The program director is Gary Sulikowski who is assisted by co-PI Michelle Sulikowski. This REU program is designed to introduce students to the excitement and importance of research in chemical biology through a mix of educational and research activities. Students will choose from nineteen interdisciplinary research teams and will be co-mentored by faculty in Chemistry and the College of Medicine. Research topics cover the continuum of chemical biology and range from targeted drug discovery and natural product synthesis to the use of mass spectrometry, computation and cheminformatics to solve fundamental questions in chemical biology. Each group will require a written report and a presentation at Vanderbilt's Undergraduate Research Symposium. In addition to interdisciplinary seminars, a drug discovery symposia and weekly lunch-based discussion groups on ethics, careers and professional development, students will take field-trips and enjoy social activities such as BBQ, baseball games and a trip to the water park. Twelve students, typically rising sophomore and juniors with an interest in chemistry, biochemistry or biology will be selected each summer. They strongly encourage applications from undergraduate students that enhance the diversity of our program. Through extensive mentoring and authentic research experiences, it is their goal to impact students understanding of the research process and the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary research. This site is co-funded by the Department of Defense in partnership with the NSF REU program.