The March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at the University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce a summer research program for undergraduate students.
Program Description
Preterm birth is a global public health problem. 15 million babies are born preterm annually and complications from preterm birth are the leading cause of death among children under 5 years. The March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at the University of Pennsylvania is one of 5 national centers dedicated to identifying the causes of preterm birth that will result in more effective strategies to prevent preterm birth in the future. At Penn we have a transdisciplinary team of investigators with expertise in obstetrics, pediatrics, neonatology, genetics, metabolism, cell and developmental biology, bioengineering, microbiology, and reproductive biology working together to solve this problem.
This 10-week program is designed to expose undergraduate students to transdisciplinary research on preterm birth with an assigned research mentor. Students will also have an opportunity to observe in the clinics and the hospital.
Program Eligibility
- Current full-time undergraduate students with a major in the sciences or engineering, ideally in sophomore or junior year.
- An interest in exploring research in preterm birth and considering a career or graduate studies in a health-related field or bioengineering.
- Underrepresented minority students are encouraged to apply.
Program Requirements
- Students will be assigned to an investigator’s research laboratory for a full-time hands-on research experience.
- Training in responsible conduct of research.
- Attend weekly laboratory meetings and journal club.
- Present their research at the Prematurity Research Center’s summer retreat.
Stipend
Each student will receive a $2500 stipend.
To apply
- Submit an application (as one complete PDF) no later than January 31st, 2018
- Two Letters of Recommendation from a faculty member familiar with your course work or prior research.
- Copy of undergraduate transcript.
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Preterm Birth Research Undergraduate Summer Program
March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center
Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania
1305 Biomedical Research Building II/III (BRB II/III)
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 573-3390
Megan Helfrick, MSW, email: [email protected]
STUDENT APPLICATION
This application is due by January 31, 2018.
I. PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name: Last________________________ First ________________________ MI _____
Home Address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _________________
Home: (_____) ______ – ________ Cell: (_____) ______ – ________
Email:
COLLEGE: ___________________________ MAJOR:
Year completed: 1 2 3 4
GPA (4.00 scale) Overall: ______
Gender: _____ Ethnicity (Optional): ____________
II. ACADEMIC PREPARATION
DESCRIBE YOUR EXPOSURE TO SCIENCE, INCLUDING SUBJECTS TAKEN, WORKSHOPS/SPECIAL CLASSES AND VOLUNTEER/WORK EXPERIENCE (500 WORDS OR LESS).
III. PERSONAL STATEMENT
DESCRIBE YOUR SCIENTIFIC/RESEARCH INTERESTS AND CAREER GOALS INTERESTS (500 WORDS OR LESS).
IV. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
a) A nonofficial copy of your transcript
b) A Resume
c) Two recommendation letters
Agreement form
BY SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION, I AGREE TO WORK FULL-TIME AND COMPLETE THE REQUIRED ACTIVITIES DURING THE 10-WEEK PROGRAM PERIOD IF SELECTED AS A MARCH OF DIMES PRETERM BIRTH RESEARCH SCHOLAR.
STUDENT SIGNATURE _____________________ DATE _______________
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LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FORM 1
The application is due January 31, 2018. Please mail or email to the contact information above.
Student: Last______________________________ First __________________________ MI _____
Name of Recommender: ________________________________ Phone: (_____) ______ – ________
1) How long have you known this student and in what context?
2) How would you describe this student?
3) Please comment on the student’s personal qualities, particularly in regard to character, integrity, values, and peer relationships.
4) Indicate by a "X" your ratings of this student in terms of academic skills and potential, compared to other college-bound students.
No Basis
Characteristics
Below Average
Average
Good
Very
Good
Excellent
One of the Top Few
Creativity, originality
Motivation
Independence, initiative
Intellectual ability
Academic achievement
Written expression of ideas
Effective class discussion
Disciplined work ethic
Potential for growth
Character
SUMMARY EVALUATION:
5) Additional Comments (use additional sheet if necessary):
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LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FORM 2
The application is due January 31, 2018. Please mail or email to the contact information above.
Student: Last______________________________ First __________________________ MI _____
Name of Recommender: ________________________________ Phone: (_____) ______ – ________
1) How long have you known this student and in what context?
2) How would you describe this student?
3) Please comment on the student’s personal qualities, particularly in regard to character, integrity, values, and peer relationships.
4) Indicate by a "X" your ratings of this student in terms of academic skills and potential, compared to other college-bound students.
No Basis
Characteristics
Below Average
Average
Good
Very
Good
Excellent
One of the Top Few
Creativity, originality
Motivation
Independence, initiative
Intellectual ability
Academic achievement
Written expression of ideas
Effective class discussion
Disciplined work ethic
Potential for growth
Character
SUMMARY EVALUATION:
5) Additional Comments (use additional sheet if necessary):