GENOMIC SCIENCES

2009 SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCE for UNDERGRADUATES

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Genomics is the study of an organism’s genetic blueprint.  Through the genomic sciences, our collective understanding of how organisms develop and function has advanced at an extraordinary pace.  An important outcome of this understanding is the ability to manipulate an organism’s genome to enhance the production or performance of specific proteins or products of metabolism.  Advances in genomic science will lead the way to new treatments for animal and plant diseases and equally importantly secure a productive global food supply.

Introduction

One of the major constraints to feeding a growing world population is plant disease.  Continued global warming is likely to exacerbate disease problems beyond historical and current levels by allowing earlier development of epidemics.  Significantly, plant disease control is an area where the field of genomics promises to make a large and immediate impact through the identification of genes for disease resistance.  However, the goal of lasting plant disease control will depend on having an equally comprehensive understanding of the disease process from the pathogen perspective.

Rice is the most important food crop in the world and is related to all major cereal crops.

Rice blast disease, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe grisea, is a leading constraint to rice production and is a serious threat to food security worldwide.  The goal of this research program is to decipher how fungal pathogens cause disease and conversely how plants protect themselves.  We are using genomics based technologies to analyze the molecular events that occur when a pathogen recognizes its host and initiates disease.  Our ultimate goal is to design durable disease resistance.

Program Description

The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs) sponsored by the National Science Foundation represents a significant recruiting strategy to meet the national and international need for an increase in researchers joining the genomic sciences.  This program provides opportunities for undergraduate students with an interest in science and majoring in the biological sciences, science education, computer science, engineering and related fields to integrate their academic education with a research related experience.  The REU Program actively recruits candidates from historically underrepresented groups and encourages women and students of African-American, American Indian, and Hispanic backgrounds as well as other eligible students to apply.  From extensive hands- on research using advanced laboratory resources, to furnishing professional development education challenges, students will reach their full potential during an internship appointment as a vital member of the research team. 

Program Highlights Include:

• On-site exhibition and presentation of research project.
• Experience in cutting edge genomic research techniques.
• Working with internationally recognized scientists.
• Professional development through participation in a challenging and relevant research project.
• Assistance in evaluating career direction.
• Mentoring by outstanding faculty, post -doctoral research associates, and graduate students committed to providing an environment that fosters professional development.
• One time payment for round trip travel cost. 
• Competitive stipend and room & board.
• Opportunity to spend up to a week at one of 3 collaborating laboratories nationwide.
• Participation in the campus-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium

Research Locations

Research opportunities are available at :

• North Carolina State University
• Ohio State University
• Texas A&M University
• Penn State University

Applicants

Applicants are sought who are majoring in a biological or related natural science, engineering, statistics, or computer science; who have completed at least their first year of study by the summer. 

Applications are encouraged from students attending institutions with limited research opportunities and from students who are members of groups underrepresented in the sciences, such as women, racial minorities and the physically challenged.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or hold permanent U.S. visa status.
• Be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student.

Program Dates

Program runs from Monday, May 25^th, – Friday, July 31^st, 2009

Application deadline  - Monday, March 16^th, 2009

Notification of acceptance - Friday, April 10^th, 2009

Interested students should

• Submit a completed application form online (electronic applications only - contact program coordinator if problems arise).
• Describe in an essay statement a current issue in genomics or related science.
• Request an official transcript to be mailed directly from your school.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation submitted directly from your references.
  (electronically is preferred)

Click to complete an online application.

         For additional information contact

Phyllis T. Hilliard
Outreach & Project Diversity Coordinator
Fungal Genomics   
Campus Box 7244
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7251
919.513.4678
919.513.0024 (fax)
reu_fungal@ncsu.edu