Beloit College 2012 Summer Biomedical Research Scholars Program

Students are invited to apply to the Beloit College Summer Biomedical Research Scholars Program (successor to the Schweppe Scholars Program).  This program will fund 8 weeks of mentored biomedical lab research and living expenses in the Chicago area during summer 2012 (typically June 1- July 31).  Applicants must be current Beloit College students with a strong interest in biomedical research.  In previous years, our Biomed Scholars have worked in Chicago labs focusing on microbiology, immunology, pathology, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, neurobiology, and others.  Preference will be given to second and third year students who have not yet had a biomedical laboratory research experience. 

Applicants should submit their applications to Professor Micho Gravis by Feb 28.  Application materials must be submitted online at the Biomedical Research Scholars Program Moodle page (this Moodle page can be found be in the Moodle Biology course listings or at the direct link: https://bcmoodle.beloit.edu/course/view.php?id=1425 ).

In the letter of application (~2 pages), students should discuss their motivation and rationale for seeking a summer research experience and how their academic background and other experiences will prepare them to conduct summer research.  The application letter should discuss potential research interests, future career goals, and how a summer research experience will facilitate their educational and career goals.  Applicants should also describe any previous research experiences they may have had. Students should describe the general areas of research they are interested in and then use the internet to find biomedical research scientists at Chicago area universities (especially Rush and Loyola) who are doing research related to their interests. We have particularly strong ties with Beloit alumnus Dr. Larry Thomas, an immunologist at Rush, and Dr. Alan Wolfe, a microbiologist at Loyola and parent of a Beloit alum.  Drs. Thomas and Wolfe have previously hosted Beloit students in their labs and helped us place Beloit students in various other labs at Rush and Loyola.  Students should not contact labs they are interested in right now, but should instead describe in their application letter a list of at least 3 possible Chicago area scientist-mentors and their contact information.

In addition to the application letter, a complete application must include a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), a separate document listing relevant Biology and Chemistry courses taken, a record of college grades/academic transcript (unofficial transcript is fine), and a letter of recommendation from one or two science professors.  Please also indicate if you are an Illinois resident that will be able to commute to Chicago labs from your family home in the summer or if you will need to find summer housing in Chicago.

For more information contact Professor Micho Gravis, gravisd@beloit.edu.