Faculty from the Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics disciplines are currently seeking talented, team-oriented, and accomplished undergraduates to conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of the mathematical and biological sciences. This program is a terrific opportuntity for undergraduates with an interest in exploring or working in an area of growing scientific importance. The contents of this page are organized as follows. Each section heading listed here is hot-linked to the corresponding section of this information page.

• Benefits
• Expectations
• On-Line Application
• Available Projects
• Eligibility Requirements
• Go straight to the 2009 Application Form

Participants will be part of an interdisciplinary quartet of two undergraduates and two faculty co-mentors (one each from biology and mathematics/statistics/computer science). The undergraduate teams will create and carry out cutting-edge research on a project in one of five areas, and participants will receive the following competitive benefits:

• a stipend for research done during each academic semester in an amount equivalent to at least $10.50/hour worked (see below),
• a team budget for purchasing research equipment, supplies, etc.
• while conducting summer research during a 10-week session, will receive a $3,750 research stipend and be housed in West Campus Suites (all room-and-board costs are paid for by the program),
• three credit-hours of undergraduate research for summer work, and
• the opportunity to attend at least one national or regional professional conference to present your results.

The stipend for work done during the academic year is paid out at a rate of $10.50/hour unless the student participant is enrolled in a Spring 2008 sections of Bioinformatics (CS 325) or Introduction to Mathematical Biology (MATH 345/BIOL 345). RLC participants who are enrolled in one of these Spring 2008 classes will receive their stipend at the rate of $15.50/hour. Both of the above courses may be used as electives in the Biology, Mathematics, and Computer Science majors.

Expectations

Each undergraduate who participates in this innovate program must agree to meet some programmatic expectations. Each program participant is expected to do the following.

• Commit to staying involved in the project assigned for Spring 2009 through Fall 2009. Each student should devote approximately 10 hours per week to their project (different projects will have different expectations). This work, and time spent at the seminar, is paid at a wage of $10.50 or $15.50 per hour (see above). Accommodations can be made to have this work count toward your scholarship hour obligation.
• Participate in the 10-week summer research session (May 19-July 25).
• Participate in community activities such as the biweekly Mathematical Biology Seminar (Thursdays at 3:30pm) during the academic year and group sessions and workshops during the summer research program.
• Present results at a national or regional conference and in a scholarly publication.

The latter is a goal that each student will realize in cooperation with the other student on the team and his or her faculty co-mentors.

Eligibility Requirements

There is no limit to the length of time that a student may be involved in this program. To be eligible for the program, a student

• must be a full-time student at Truman and in good academic standing during the academic semesters he or she participates
• must be a U.S. citizen
• must have declared either a biology, computer science or mathematics major (opportunities for computer science majors are very limited; please talk to project mentors)

During the 10-week summer research period, participants are expected to devote their time to the research projects; no participant may enroll in classes or be otherwise employed during this time.

Available Projects

Each project seeks students with different skills and interests. Basic information about the projects available to students can be found in the table below. Additional information is available by clicking on the "Information" buttons. This information includes details about each project topic, anticipated start and end dates of the project, information about and contact information for the mentors. Any questions about a project can be addressed to the project's faculty co-mentors.

Application

Applications are being taken on-line. If you are ready to apply, following this link: APPLICATION

A list of information requested on the application can be downloaded here [PDF] or viewed here [HTML].