The Cellular and Molecular Biology of Stress Summer Research Program

Opportunity Description:

Interested in a research career? Experience the richness of the research environment at a premier research university with this hands-on summer program. You’ll get an invaluable glimpse of what graduate-level study and research careers might entail, while being surrounded by a supportive community of peers and engaged in professional development activities that help add meaning, encourage critical thinking, and allow you to explore and prepare for your future.

The Cellular and Molecular Biology of Stress (CMBS) program is designed for undergraduates who might not otherwise have access to research opportunities. There is no cost for the program and participants receive a stipend, summer housing, health insurance, and travel to and from Madison.

Program participants live on campus and perform full-time research for 10 weeks under the guidance of trained research mentors. Weekly professional development seminars allow participants to learn from each other’s experiences and contextualize their research projects within the overarching theme of how organisms respond to stress. Additional events and activities build community, support career and graduate school exploration, and help students build useful skills, such as science communication. Students present their projects at a poster session and a final symposium and write research reports to summarize their findings.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

• Strong career interest in biological science research
• Undergraduate student status 
• U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
• Grade point average of at least 3.0 (see Frequently Asked Questions for more info)

The goal of the CMBS program is to provide research opportunities for students who have limited access to research. We realize there are a variety of reasons students may not have access to research, including, but not limited to, attending small colleges (including 2-year colleges) with limited research resources; life experience impacted by historical or social factors; coming from a low-income background with the need to work during the academic year; or being the first in their family to attend college and benefiting from additional support. All students are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Application Process: 

The application opens annually on November 1 and closes on February 15.

During the application process you will need to provide:

• Name and email address for at least one person (faculty member preferred) who will provide a letter of recommendation. Two letters of recommendation are allowed.
• Electronic version of your college transcript (scanned hard copies if electronic transcripts are not available); unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Four short personal essays (3900 character maximum per essay).
  1. How have your background and life experiences (including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges) motivated your decision to pursue a summer research opportunity?
  2. How would your participation in a summer research program at UW–Madison contribute to your future goals and career plans?
  3. Which area(s) of research are of interest to you and why?
  4. Although previous research experience is not required to be considered for participation in our summer program, please describe any past research experience. This may include research experiences as part of a course if you do not have any other research experiences.

Selection and Placement

Selection and laboratory placement of students will take place in February, March, and April. Applicants who are not placed will be notified by the beginning of May.