The summer research program is designed for rising junior and senior undergraduate science majors who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the biomedical sciences. The program is sponsored by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the faculty of the School of Medicine of Wake Forest University.
This program allows participants to sample the exciting research opportunities offered on the Bowman Gray Campus of the university. Faculty mentors encompass a wide range of academic, clinical, and research interests. Research facilities include the Center for Human Genomics, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hypertension/Vascular Disease Center, Center for Structural Biology, Hypertension Center, and the Pathology and Physiology/Pharmacology research centers located in downtown Winston-Salem. Over the sixteen year history of the summer research program, the Graduate School has been honored to include many outstanding faculty members from the following departments of the medical school:
 Biochemistry Biomedical Engineering Cancer Biology Microbiology and Immunology Neurobiology and Anatomy |
Pathology Pediatrics Physiology and Pharmacology Psychiatry Radiation Oncology |
Program Overview:
During the eight-week summer experience, students
are exposed to hands-on basic lab skills, techniques, and technology used in biomedical
research, data collection, and documentation. In addition, students obtain an
inside preview of career opportunities in scientific research and graduate education. Participants will be expected to be in the labs during the hours of 8:00AM to 5:00PM unless directed otherwise by their faculty mentor. Vacations or leaves of absence will need to be confirmed by the participant's mentor. Students will be allowed to attend departmental seminars in addition to informational sessions sponsored by the Graduate School.
A journal club will be hosted by the Graduate School and is part of the summer research activities. The purpose is to provide students the opportunity to review and present an article pertinent to the research that they will be pursuing during the summer. The selection of the article will take place under the guidance of their mentor during the first week of activities.
During the last few weeks of the program, students will create their own poster board to showcase the research they have been working on over the summer. On the last day of the program there will be a poster symposium and luncheon to which family and friends will be invited. Students will be provided easels to display their posters and be available answer questions from interested parties. The poster session will be open to the entire medical center community and has been widely attended by a large number of faculty, staff and lab personnel. The luncheon is by invitation only and will end with an awards ceremony where each participant will receive a "Certificate of Achievement".
Eligibility:
This program is open to all undergraduate science majors who will be entering, or will be continuing their studies as a junior or senior during the fall semester following the program dates. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen, or an international student attending an accredited university within the United States and hold a valid F1 VISA during the summer of their planned participation.
Stipend:
Participants will receive a stipend of $3,500.00 (before tax) for the 2008 program. Pay checks will be issued on June 26th and July 26th. In past years, special arrangements have been made for each participant to receive a pay advance on the first Friday of the summer program. We anticipate that we will continue to be able to offer this benefit during future programs.
Housing/Transportation:
Free housing is provided on the Reynolda Campus of Wake Forest University in university owned houses. Students live in one of several homes which are within walking distance of the main campus facilities. The houses accommodate two students per room with two or more bathroom facilities per house. Each house has laundry and kitchen facilities. Linen and maintenance services are provided by the university. Each house has wireless internet connections as well as hookups for phones and television cable services.
For those participants without their own vehicles, the university shuttle service will provide transportation to and from the Bowman Gray campus each weekday. Public transportation is available from the public street which runs in front of the houses. Students are encouraged to bring their own vehicles for the summer to take advantage of the many local weekend activities available in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. Parking is provided free of charge on the Bowman Gray campus and at the summer housing.
Application Procedures:
Applications will be available on-line (pdf format) after December 15, 2008. The application deadline is February 15th for the summer 2008 program, and all application material must be postmarked by the deadline. The application package includes:
If possible, all application materials should be mailed in one package. However, if necessary, it is permissible for transcripts and letters of recommendation to be mailed separately. All application packages and material should be mailed to the address below. Transcripts and recommendations should arrive in sealed, individual envelopes that have been signed on the back flaps. Once a complete application package has been received, the review process begins. Applicants are notified by email when their packages have been received and of any missing material that is required. Final selections should be made by the middle of March. If the applicant anticipates being away from their school on spring break during the first two weeks of March, it is recommended that they continue to check their e-mail or to provide alternate contact information.
should include details of any previous or existing research experience, and a statement of academic and
career goals. Previous research experience is not a requirement for application to the program.
knowledge of your academic and research experience.
The Selection Process:
The program will admit 8 students for the summer of 2008.
The Graduate School normally receives between 100 to 150 applications each year. As the program is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to take care when writing personal statement and choosing their faculty recommenders. Applications are evaluated on many different points, not solely on overall GPA. Faculty members judge applicants on their academic background, areas of interest, previous research experience, personal interests, and career goals.
If an applicant is declined, the rejection will likely be based on a lack of experience or interest in graduate education, not on the academic performance of the applicant.
Contact Information:
Please feel free to contact the Graduate School office with any questions or concerns not covered on this website. Also, please feel free to visit departmental website's (Academic Programs webpage) to obtain additional information.
Contact Name -Orientation:
Beth Whitsett
Administrative Assistant
Graduate School AdmissionsMailing Address -
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
Bowman Gray Campus
Medical Center Blvd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1001Telephone: Local - (336) 716-4224; Toll Free - (800) 438-4723
Fax: (336) 716-0185
E-mail: bggrad@wfubmc.edu
Website: www.wfu.edu/graduate
A schedule of events for orientation will be available in the spring.