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Many opportunities
are available for students to carry out directed research during the summer
months. Students are paid a stipend that usually covers their travel
and living expenses. They spend eight to ten weeks working
under the supervision of a scientist in settings that can range from a
biochemical laboratory at a college, university or hospital to an ecological
field station in the United States or overseas.
Though this work is not taken for course credit, it offers valuable experience for students considering graduate school. Others will also find their increased skill helpful in qualifying for employment or other kinds of professional training. Usually preference is given to rising seniors, then to rising juniors. Some of the programs to which our students apply include:
1. Opportunities for summer research at Holy Cross are supported by grants
to the College and its faculty. Procedures for application are publicized
in the Biology Department and elsewhere in the College. You must have
an advisor and project already selected prior to applying for any of this
money. Summer stipends awarded by the College are administered through
the Science
Coordinator's Office; individual faculty with grants administer awards
themselves.
2. Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU and SURF). These programs,
funded by the National Science Foundation, are in place at various colleges
and universities. They are intended to serve students from outside the
host institution as well as its own students. In recent years Holy Cross
students have participated in REU programs at Wellesley College and Hope
College, and in SURF programs at Pepperdine University and University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Announcements of application procedures
and deadlines are sent to the Biology Department each year.
3. Various hospitals, universities, research institutes and industries
run their own summer research programs. Among these are Hartford Hospital,
University of Connecticut Health Center, University of Massachusetts Medical
Center, the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Harvard School
of Public Health, and others. Announcements of application procedures
and deadlines are posted in the Biology Department each year.
4. Several scientific societies and industries offer fellowships for undergraduates
to conduct research at their own or other institutions. Among these are
the Genetics Society of America, the Council on Undergraduate Research,
the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company and others. The student and the faculty
sponsor together prepare a description of the proposed project. Announcements
of application procedures and deadlines are sent to the Biology Department
each year.
5. Audubon sanctuaries, oceanographic institutions, and other field oriented
organizations often have openings for college students to assist in research
or lead nature-study programs for high school or younger students.
6. Many individual scientists or departments in colleges, universities,
and medical schools have funds in their research grants that could be
used to support a summer research student. In such cases students need
to take the initiative to contact the scientist with whom they would like
to work, describe their qualifications, and ask the scientist whether
he/she (or his/her colleagues) might be able to use their services.
CHC students: Please note that Ms.
Dumas collects announcements of all such opportunities and circulates
them to interested students. If you are interested, get your name on the
list.