BSCD Quantitative Biology Summer Fellowship

BSCD Ecology and Evolution Fellowship

About the Fellowship

The quantitative biology summer research fellowship is an opportunity for students to complete a research project in any field of biology (e.g. ecology and evolution, systems biology, statistical genetics) using quantitative tools (e.g. statistical, computational, or mathematical methods). The research projects will be primarily computational in nature, although students may also engage in experimental data collection to support their aims. In addition to working on research, students will take part in a regular student-led seminar facilitated by D. Kondrashov with the aim of acquiring new quantitative skills to support their research progress.  The goal of the program is to create a community of undergraduate scholars and provide them with an intensive, interdisciplinary research and learning experience.

The Fellowship covers a $4000 stipend plus the $350 Student Life fee for the summer research period.

Duties and Responsibilities  

The purpose of this summer fellowship is to complete a research project under the guidance one of the quantitative biology research group, chosen by the student. Students will work on research tasks with the guidance of their research advisors, identify quantitative questions and share them in the regular seminar with the other fellows. They will identify specific learning objectives together with other fellows, and achieve them with the guidance of the program director. The specific research tasks will vary depending on the project, but may include substantial data analysis, programming using a high-level programming language (e.g. R or python), learning new software and using high-performance computing resources at the University. All students will be expected to read research papers and find information resources necessary to advance their projects, with the guidance of the program director. At the end of the summer period, students will produce a written report and present their research results in a mini-conference.

Requirements

The main requirement is interest in quantitative biology, demonstrated by coursework in biological sciences and quantitative methods broadly defined. Specific useful skills include familiarity with at least one high-level programming language, basic statistics, and exposure to scientific computing (a course like BIOS 20151 is sufficient.) Some biological training is also required, but a declared biology major is not necessary. Excellent communication skills and a desire to learn in a collaborative environment is essential. The work will not require physical skills beyond operating a computer.

Class Level Eligibility

Undergraduate students who have completed at least one year in the College.

 Required Materials

·         Statement of interest, explaining your interest in quantitative biology, including biological questions you would like to study and quantitative skills that you would like to acquire or expand, and a short description of how you see yourself learning quantitative skills in a collaborative group setting

·         Resume or CV

·         Unofficial Transcript

Please Note: If you are applying to multiple BSCD Fellowship Grants, please fill out the following BSCD Preference Form - https://careeradvancement.wufoo.com/forms/bscd-research-2018/