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Bio Dept

Columbia/Barnard students interested in the SURF and Amgen Scholars Programs can begin applying on January 1st of the year in which they wish to conduct research. By applying to the SURF program, you will also be considered for the Amgen program.

The Department of Biological Sciences at Columbia University offers Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships to a select group of motivated undergraduate students who will benefit from the opportunity for hands-on biology related laboratory research. This is a chance to experience the joys of discovering something completely new while learning to overcome the challenges inherent in scientific research. Most students work either on the Morningside Heights campus or in the biomedical labs at Columbia's Health Sciences Center (the free shuttle bus gets you there in fifteen minutes) . . .

The fellowship is competitive with awards based on grades, recommendations, and a personal meeting with the laboratory director. You may apply if you are currently a junior, sophomore, or first-year student in Columbia College, Barnard College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, or the School of General Studies. No previous research experience is necessary, and you do not need to be a biology major to apply. Students are expected to work full-time for the duration of the program, so participation in SURF is not compatible with attending summer school or working at another job.

The SURF program runs for 10 weeks, from May 26th through July 31st, 2009. The orientation program scheduled during the first few weeks includes laboratory safety and selected topics on biological research. Subsequently, students work full-time (about 40 hours/week) on independent study projects under the guidance of a research scientist. Once a week, SURF students get together to hear a scientist present a research seminar or to describe their own research to the other SURF students. All students are required to present orally, write a written report due by Thursday, September 24th, and present a poster of their work at the SURF Symposium during the spring semester. Participants receive a stipend of $4000.

SURF does not pay for housing.

Applications will be accepted from January 1st until 5pm on February 1st, 2010. Fall 2009 grades should be included in the transcripts. All recommendations must be emailed through the application website by February 1st, 2010, at 5pm. Be sure to submit your application with ample time for the people writing your recommendations to email them by February 1st.
For further information, contact Christina Panas:
surf@biology.columbia.edu, 744 Mudd, 212-854-2262.

In addition to the SURF program, a new program for undergraduate summer research has begun at Columbia University. The Amgen Scholars Program is open to undergraduates at Columbia University and Barnard College as well as undergraduates currently attending a four year college in the United States or US territories. By applying to the SURF program, you will also be considered for the Amgen program. You do not need to apply to both programs.