Molecular Biology and Genetics of Cell Signaling MBG-REU at Cornell
Opportunity Description:
The MBG-REU program, titled “Molecular Biology and Genetics of Cell Signaling”, is an NSF-funded, ten-week summer program with a strong focus on diversity. The program aims to provide cutting edge summer research training experiences for ten undergraduates in the broadly defined area of cell signaling. Through intensive research and a series of organized activities, participants will be exposed to world-class research environments with the aim of broadening their understanding and appreciation of research (please see a story featuring our program here). Participants will also have opportunities to interact with other undergraduate and graduate students at Cornell, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and waterfalls in Ithaca, New York.
The program will provide:
- A summer stipend of $6,000
- On-campus housing
- A meal allowance
- A budget for travel to and from Ithaca
- A bus pass for transportation on campus and into town.
Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must fulfill the following requirements:
- Current undergraduates who will not graduate before August 2022 (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Majoring in the life sciences
- Overall GPA of at least 3.3 preferred, but minimally 3.0
Preference will be given to students with strong interest in gaining research experience in preparation for graduate study. Members of underrepresented or underserved minority groups; students with disabilities; first generation college students; women; and students who would contribute to diversity in other ways, are encouraged to apply. Students from smaller undergraduate institutions with limited opportunities for research are also encouraged to apply.
Selection is based on academic standing and faculty recommendations.
Application Process:
Follow these steps to prepare and submit your application:
1. Assemble your application materials
You should have the following materials ready before you begin your application.
- Current GPA
- Academic Transcript(s): We need transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you have attended. Official or unofficial versions will be accepted. Upload a scanned version of your transcripts through the application form. DO NOT SEND ANY PASSWORD PROTECTED PDFs OR ANY LOCKED OR PROTECTED TRANSCRIPTS.
- Personal Statements: You will be asked to submit two essays responding to the following prompts:
- Statement of purpose. Describe your current research interests; how previous research projects, coursework or other experiences have influenced your interests; your future educational and career goals, and how training as a researcher fits with those goals; your academic, volunteer or work experiences that have best prepared you to engage in research. (1000 words max)
- Please explain how you would contribute to enhancing diversity at Cornell. For example, do you belong to an underrepresented minority group, are you a veteran, do you have a disability, are you an older student, are you one of the first in your family to attend college, are you an immigrant or 1st generation American, or do you have a particular interest in furthering diversity? (500 words max)
- Resume: You have the option to upload a resume through the application form, but this is not required.
2. Research participating faculty
Visit the Participating Mentors page to become familiar with the participating faculty and their research areas.
3. Register in the system and create an account
Login to the application system (The application is hosted on a third-party site). Create an applicant account AND complete the contact information section. Use your current email address as your username and choose a password that you will remember.
4. Request letters of recommendation
You should ask for letters of recommendation as soon as possible. It is not necessary to complete the application before doing this. This will help to ensure that your recommenders submit their letters before the application deadline. Applications without letters of recommendation are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
Scroll to the bottom of the application form to the Recommendation Letters section. Enter the name and email address of both of your recommenders. Be sure to press the “Send Email” button to send your letter of recommendation request immediately. Faculty are often the best recommenders, but anyone who can speak to your abilities and potential can submit a letter. We advise you to speak with your proposed recommenders to let them know you are seeking their support BEFORE you put their contact information into the system.
5. Complete and submit your application
Complete and review your application. Once you have submitted your application, you will only be able to update your contact and faculty preference information. You will also be able to review the status of your recommendation letters.
IMPORTANT: Your application is not complete until you have signed the attestation at the end. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Be sure to add mbgreu@cornell.edu to your email contacts to ensure that you receive all our email communications regarding your application. If you do not receive a confirmation email shortly after creating an account and/or submitting your complete application, check your spam folder. Please remember to ask your recommenders to do the same.