Our program represents a unique collaboration between the departments of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) & Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology (MCDB) and encompasses a breadth of disciplines spanning all levels of organization. Students can choose from an array of majors and minors (and a wide spectrum of career opportunities). Gifts to the Program in Biology ensure that undergraduate students will have opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to cutting-edge research experiences, engage with faculty in new and exciting ways, and prepare for careers in science, medicine, education, industries, and other fields.
Your Gifts at Work
“This experience definitely confirmed my interest in science." It has expanded the student’s horizons, as well. She says she had “the idea of attending a medical school after undergrad cemented into my brain, and now I am very indecisive. I learned to really enjoy research. After having been exposed to the research environment, I found interest in other career paths. It did open up other possibilities such as a potential PhD or MD/PhD."
Her favorite memory from the summer was getting to meet other Horizon students and the PhD students working with them, and “genuinely developing a connection with them. “I am just really appreciative of both the MCDB Horizons internship and its leaders for the support of getting involved in research, especially during the pandemic with so much uncertainty of whether undergraduate students could even get that experience or not. I am appreciative for the support of the program and for the support of my lab in helping me pursue something that gives me such incredible fulfillment.”
Undergraduate research experiences help students gain skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration. They help focus career interests and deepen classroom learning. Critical to bringing broader participation of underrepresented communities in science, undergrad research experiences increase student persistence in science, according to education researchers. “The fact that these students are continuing to do research in our labs tells me that the program was a success,” says MCDB Chair Ken Cadigan.
Giving Opportunities
Biology Strategic Fund - 310307
The strategic fund provides resources for the Program in Biology's focused initiatives and provides support for undergraduates and faculty. This fund is an excellent way to make aninvestment in the future of the Program in Biology and its community of amazing students.
Christine Psujek Memorial Undergraduate Award Fund - 317374
Chris Psujek helped over 15,000 students during her time in biology with her knowledge, compassion, and patience – a truly incredible legacy. Undergraduates will remember her for her ability to answer just about any question that was thrown at her and graduate students will remember her from the fair and organized way she managed GSI assignments. The faculty relied on her extensively in their role as concentration advisors as well as all administrative aspects of their undergraduate teaching. In her memory, the Program in Biology has established the Christine Psujek Memorial Undergraduate Award. An award will be presented annually to the graduating senior who submits the best honors thesis in any of the biology majors.
MCDB Undergraduate Research Fund (Horizons Program) - 327021
Research experiences for undergraduates can be transformative. They help students determine whether research is something they wish to pursue. Research experience is essential for entering many graduate programs, medical school, and other biology careers. Many students, however, may have no idea what research is about or may feel they cannot pursue such opportunities because they need to earn money during the summer. The Horizons Program is dedicated to expanding opportunities for such students by encouraging them to consider research and paying a stipend to support their summer work.
EEB Undergraduate Research Fund (Summer Internship) - 320890
This brand-new program welcomes undergrads with an interest in EEB to work in research groups over the summer. Students have the unique opportunity to experience scientific research first-hand by participating directly in a research project, as part of a team of scientists, learning new ideas and skills fundamental to biological science. The EEB Summer Internship Program is dedicated to expanding opportunities for students by encouraging them to consider research and paying a stipend to support their summer work.
Thank you for supporting the Program in Biology!
