NSF REU Site- Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Molecular Genetics and Genomics at Delaware State University.

Delaware State University was awarded a three year grant from the National Science Foundation for a 9-week summer undergraduate research program in the area of molecular genetics and genomics.  This is a partnership between Delaware State University and two other institutions, Delaware Technical & Community College and Wesley College.  This program draws from a wealth of mentors in the biological sciences which include research and teaching faculty in plant biology and genetics, neuroscience and Drosophila research, plant virus interactions, aquaculture and fisheries research.  Students apply early Spring, and come to DSU in the first week of June of each year.  Students start the program by participating in a two-week methods workshop intended to familiarize them with tools and techniques in molecular biology and genomics.  Students simultaneously work with their research mentors in understanding the specific research project and developing a research proposal.  Students present their proposed research to peers and faculty mentors, while working in the mentor’s laboratory for the duration of the internship.  The student research projects conclude with the Undergraduate Research Symposium where REU students together with students from other summer research programs in DSU  participate in a combined program.  Also included in the REU experience are seminars given by government, academic and industry scientists, visits to biotechnology organizations and interaction with various levels of scientific researchers.  The FY2007 program drew nine students from a diversity of backgrounds and many of these students intend to pursue graduate research in the biological sciences. The DSU REU website is at (http://cars.desu.edu/reu/index.htm).