BIO Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Through the generous support of the National Science Foundation (NSF DBI 1048864-1129623) and the efforts of the BIO REU Leadership Committee funds are now available to support student travel to present their research at scientific meetings. Students may receive up to $1,000 in travel reimbursement. Students who participated in an organized research program (BIO REU, OCE REU, other REU, etc) in 2009 onward are eligible to apply. Priority will be given for one student per REU site although additional funds may be available. For questions or comments please e-mail Dr. Robyn Hannigan, Chair of the BIO REU Leadership Committee (Robyn.Hannigan@umb.edu)

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Eligibility

Students who have completed an undergraduate research experience in the biological or oceanographic sciences are eligible to receive funding to present their research at a scientific meeting. Students who will attend but not present may also receive funding. BIO and OCE REU students will receive priority however any undergraduate student who has completed a research experience in the biological sciences is eligible to apply.

Preference will be given to one student per BIO REU (or other eligible undergraduate research program). We realize that every program has many "stars" and we ask that you limit your recommendation to one student who has participated in your program. Hence the recommendation from the Program Director is crucial to the selection process. An applicant should stand out in some positive way from their cohort, their performance in the program should have been exemplary, their research original and the impact of attendance and presentation of their work demonstrable.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Students should apply for funding no less than 3 months prior to the meeting to ensure that we are able to reimburse them in a timely manner. Students will receive notice of award within 3 weeks of receipt of the completed application packet.

Application Process

Students should complete the on-line application here and provide the contact information for the Program Director and their Research Mentor who will be required to submit letters of recommendation. It is crucial that the student communicate with their mentor regarding the intent to apply for a Travel Scholarship prior to doing so. Students who will present their research are required to provide a draft or submitted abstract of the work to be presented. Applications will only be considered when we receive a completed application and the two required letters of recommendation.

Selection Process

Selection of students will be based on the student's essay regarding how participation in the meeting will impact their professional development, the recommendations of the mentor and program director and the availability of funding. Students presenting their work will receive priority.

Funding Process

Once students receive notification of award (mentors and Program Directors will also be notified) students will complete forms that will enable reimbursement. Reimbursable expenses include conference registration fees, travel, lodging and per diem expenses. Students will be required to keep all receipts and will submit original receipts for reimbursement. Students will receive an information packet upon notification of award so that they understand their responsibilities and how reimbursement will occur.

Post-meeting Survey

All students who receive funding will be asked to complete an on-line survey that will evaluate the impact of attending and presenting on their professional development. The survey is covered by Institutional Review Board FWA00004634. All data will be maintained by the PI (Hannigan) and will be used only to evaluate the impact of travel scholarships on undergraduate professional development. The survey is vital to maintaining the Travel Scholarship Program.

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