University of Tennessee-Knoxville Summer REU in Microbiology

Opportunity Description:

Since the origin of life, microbes have dominated the evolutionary and geochemical history of planet Earth.  The microbial world has proven extremely complex, and microbial interactions have significant impacts on community stability and activity.  Recent investigations have led to a greater understanding of the symbiotic relationships between microbes as well as between microbes and plants or animals: what may be common themes in these symbioses as well as unique traits.  Adversarial interactions are also common in the microbial world, and experimental systems have significantly contributed to our understanding of the processes of natural selection in microbes. This REU program seeks to introduce students to the exciting world of environmental microbes.

Program highlights:

• 10-week research training opportunity
• Conduct individual research projects in one of ~20 faculty laboratories in the Departments of Microbiology, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Earth & Planetary Sciences, Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science and Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Tennessee.
• Weekly academic and professional development programs
• $6000 stipend
• Paid on-campus housing
• Travel costs reimbursed

Primary Responsibilities: 

Statement from the program: "We expect that the students selected to participate in this program will be present for the full ten weeks of its duration and will participate in all scheduled parts of the program. The majority of time will be spent in the lab, but equally important are the seminars and professional development program. We would like this experience to be stimulating, rewarding, and fun. At the same time we expect that students will communicate to us about concerns that affect their ability to fully benefit from the program so that we may address them. We also expect that students meet with their mentor at least once a week and discuss their progress and needs."

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Interested applicants should meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Highly motivated students interested in biological research, with an emphasis on microbes
• Students considering graduate school
• No prior research experience is required, however, priority will be given to students who have completed at least one course in biology, chemistry or environmental science
• Undergraduates who will be attending a 4-year college or university in fall 2022 to work toward the Bachelor’s degree.
• United States citizens or permanent residents (required by NSF guidelines)
• Underrepresented groups, or those who are the first generation in their families to attend college are encouraged to apply

Application Process: 

Submit the application form here. You will be asked to submit the following materials:

1. Completed application form;
2. Academic transcript(s);
3. A brief personal statement (maximum of 500 words) on research interests, previous experience/training (if any) and how participation in the REU Program will contribute to the student’s academic and professional development;
4. At least one letter of recommendation from a faculty member.  We will solicit letters from directly faculty should they be required.
5. Resume with current and accurate contact information.

Please send both your CV and transcript(s) (unofficial are fine) to our email address: Tennessee.microbiology.REU@gmail.com.

NOTE: The program will directly solicit letters from your references, if they are required.

Awardees will be notified by April 1, 2022.

Application Deadline: