Molecular Visualization SURF at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

Opportunity Description:


The FBRI Molecular Visualization SURF program is a 10-week long summer program that gives students the opportunity to participate in hypothesis-driven independent research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, Virginia. Students will participate in a weekly workshop series to provide hands-on experience in the cutting edge imaging technologies housed within FBRI to understand appropriate application of each technology in understanding biological processes. This program encompasses a full-time, 40-hour week schedule and supports Molecular Visualization SURF students with a $4,000 stipend. Housing will also be provided to those students that need it.

Areas of research for FBRI Molecular Visualization SURF students will include:

  • Cancer biology
  • Cardiovascular biology
  • Drug discovery and development
  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Virology and infectious disease

In addition to hands-on research projects, FBRI Molecular Visualization SURF students will participate in:

  • Weekly Molecular Visualization workshops by Virginia Tech Faculty on each imaging technology
  • Courses on preparing for a future career in science
  • Mentoring on science communication and presentation skills
  • The Virginia Tech Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium
  • Peer mentoring from VT graduate students
  • Social and cultural activities with fellow summer research students

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

To be considered for the Molecular Visualization SURF program, an applicant:

  • Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior who attends a university in the United States
  • Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Must possess a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  • Must have completed introductory courses in biology, chemistry, or physics
  • Must be able to devote yourself to full-time research for the duration of the 10-week Molecular Visualization SURF program (May 25 – July 30)

Additionally:

  • Applicants who express commitment to careers in science will be preferred
  • Previous independent research experience is not required
  • Students from underrepresented groups (including, but not limited to, ethnic minorities, first generation college students, students from low income areas, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+, etc…) are strongly encouraged to apply

Application Process: 

Applications for the Molecular Visualization SURF program are available here.  All application materials will be due March 8, 2022.

Please note, a completed application package includes the following:

  • General information about the applicant
  • Three short essays describing:
    • Your participation experience in independent research
    • Why you are interested in imaging technology and applications in biological research
    • What you hope to gain from participating in the Molecular Visualization SURF program and how it might contribute to your career
  • An up-to-date unofficial transcript and GPA (16MB maximum file upload)
  • A recommendation letter / faculty letter of support from a faculty member at your current institution, or a previous faculty mentor emailed to smythj@vtc.vt.edu

Application Deadline: 

Tuesday, March 8, 2022
For more information on this opportunity, please contact:
Website/CV: 
https://wp.vtc.vt.edu/molecularvis/index.php/overview/