NSF Research Experience (REU Program)
The Department of Biology at Tufts University offers a NSF funded summer research program entitled "Integrative approaches to studying recognition systems in cells, organisms, and populations" in which 12 undergraduate students will work closely on a collaborative, interdisciplinary project. Students in this 10-week program will receive a stipend of $575 per week and $100 per week for food.
Our department has a long-standing commitment to mentoring undergraduates in research, as well as a strong track record of highly productive interdisciplinary research. Science is a collaborative enterprise, requiring the combined expertise of researchers from diverse fields. The goals of this summer program are: to increase students' proficiency in biological research and collaborative skills, to educate and inspire students toward future research careers, and to develop students' ability to effectively communicate scientific results. In addition to research, students will participate in weekly discussions, seminars, field trips, and symposia.
Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an accredited institution. Candidates should have a strong academic record. We especially encourage applications from first generation students, veterans, students from historically underrepresented groups, as well as students from community colleges and other institutions that do not traditionally offer research opportunities.
Application Instructions
Summer 2022 REU Program Status: We will be hosting the Summer 2022 REU program! Please note that housing is provided.
Please note: The online form will be accessible when we are actively accepting applications.
To apply, please submit the following:
- Online application form
- You will be required to upload a copy of your undergraduate transcript(s)
- You will be required to upload an essay of 1-2 pages that describes:
- your interests in biology
- your career aspirations
- what you hope to gain from being a participant in the Tufts REU program
- You will need two letters of recommendation preferably from faculty who are familiar with your academic or other work related to biology. The two candidates that you select to complete your recommendation forms must complete the online form through the application portal. They will be sent an automatic email request.
2022 REU Schedule
Students will perform research each week of our summer program. In addition to the research, we hold social events, educational seminars, field trips, and symposia (see below).
| Week | Event/Location |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Orientation to Program and Department Group Exercise: Library Resources |
| Week 2 | Social Gathering Seminar: Developing Hypotheses |
| Week 3 | Social Gathering Field Trip #1 - Terrestrial Ecology |
| Week 4 | Social Gathering Exercise: How to Give Oral Presentations |
| Week 5 | Social Gathering Mid-Program Student Presentations |
| Week 6 | Social Gathering Discussion: Find the Right Grad School |
| Week 7 | Social Gathering Student Led Lab Tours |
| Week 8 | Social Gathering Field Trip #2 - Wetland Ecology |
| Week 9 | Social Gathering Seminar: Constructing a Resumé |
| Week 10 | Discussion: Alternative Careers in Science REU Symposium Social Gathering (Picnic) |
Collaborative Projects NSF REU website
Contact Us for More Information:
Please send an email to REU@tufts.edu or by mail:
Tufts REU Summer Program
Department of Biology
Tufts University
Robinson Hall Room 369
200 College Ave
Medford MA 02155