***Application Deadline: February 29, 2008***

Program Description

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) and Rutgers University are pleased to invite applications for the 2008 summer research program focused on Neuroscience. The program is open to all undergraduates who are permanent residents of New Jersey but attend universities throughout the country.

Outstanding applicants will be selected to join a research laboratory on the UMDNJ or Rutgers campus* for a 10 week program, where they will engage in hands-on experimentation. In collaboration with their mentors, students will be expected to design and implement individual research projects during this period. This involves formulating a hypothesis, and learning laboratory skills, data collection and documentation. Areas of research involve a broad range of topics in developmental and adult neurobiology, including studies in: gene expression and regulation; molecular genetics; ion channel, receptor and enzyme function; hormone, cytokine and growth factor actions; cytoskeletal function; membrane structure; cell fate specification; spinal cord injury; behavior and learning. Model systems include mammalian, lower vertebrate, and invertebrate organisms. Research will be performed in accordance with all university and NIH guidelines.

As part of the program, students will read published research articles pertaining to their projects, participate in laboratory meetings with their faculty advisors, and attend weekly luncheons with other summer students and faculty where invited guests speak about their career choices. Past guests have included representatives from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, UMDNJ/Rutgers Graduate schools, local pharmaceutical companies, and various other careers pursued by individuals with undergraduate science backgrounds. At the end of the program, students will write a summary report of their research project and present their findings in a public seminar attended by members of the research community, sponsors of the program, and other guests.

Housing and Stipend

Housing will be provided in a Rutgers dormitory and students will be encouraged to live in the dorm to foster a sense of community where they can share experiences in their individual laboratories on an informal basis. In addition, students will be provided with a stipend of $2500.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send, or arrange to have sent, the following information by email (preferred) or US Mail:

1) Cover sheet (download and fill-in).
2) Curriculum Vitae/Resume
3) Brief statement (2 paragraphs) explaining your interest in basic research
4) Official college transcript
5) Two letters of recommendation

These items should be sent to:

Joan Mordes
SURP Program Administrative Coordinator
Dept. of Neuroscience & Cell Biology
UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
683 Hoes Lane West
RWJSPH 363
Piscataway, NJ 08854

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 29, 2008.

Applicants will be notified by April 14, 2008.

Additional Information

Please direct any further inquires about the program to Ms. Joan Mordes (mordesja@umdnj.edu) or the Co-directors: Dr. James Millonig (millonig@cabm.rutgers.edu) or Dr. Michael Matise (matisemp@umdnj.edu).

*UMDNJ/Rutgers is located on the Busch Campus in Piscataway, New Jersey, approximately 40 minutes from New York and 1 hour from Philadelphia.