REU Site: Molecular Biology and Genetics of Cell Signaling

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

This REU Site award to Cornell University, located in Ithaca, NY, will support the training of 10 students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2024- 2026. The program aims to provide cutting-edge summer research training experiences in the broadly defined area of cell signaling. It is anticipated that a total of 30 undergraduates, primarily from schools with limited research opportunities or from an under-represented group, will be trained in the program. Through intensive research and a series of organized activities, participants will be exposed to world-class research environments with the aim of broadening their understanding and appreciation of research. The program culminates with a final symposium where students present their summer research in both talks and posters. Many students will also present their summer research at scientific conferences. Assessment of the program will be done through an online tool. Students should apply to the REU site using NSF ETAP (Education and Training Application: https://etap.nsf.gov). This REU program is administered by the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell University. The research focus is in the area of molecular signaling, a process that is fundamental to almost every cellular event. Students will delve into a particular area of molecular signaling through their individual research projects in their research mentors’ labs. Faculty and lab mentors will guide students’ research projects on a daily basis. Several workshops and weekly REU group meetings with the program directors provide students with a broad view of the signaling field, training on responsible conduct of research, opportunities to improve their science communication and leadership skills, and information about graduate school and careers in science. Additional peer mentor-organized social activities allow students to interact with other undergraduate and graduate students at Cornell, help to integrate REU students into the larger Cornell student community, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and waterfalls in Ithaca. A committee of faculty will select participants. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.