In the summer of 2015, the biology faculty at Pepperdine University will conduct a summer research program from May 18 – July 24, 2015, geared specifically to undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in biological research, science education, environmental science, or biotechnology. The program will begin with a 14-day research orientation workshop, May 25 - May 29. During the workshop, students will be introduced to the uses and limitations of specific research tools and techniques. The workshop will culminate with a visit to the James San Jacinto Mountains Reserve near Idyllwild, California, where students will present their summer project proposals. Over the remainder of the summer, students will pursue individual research projects under the direction of faculty, and visiting scientists will hold special research seminars in each research area. The research program will conclude with a student research symposium in late July.

Students may elect to study in one of five areas and are selected on the basis of their reasons for wanting to do research, academic credentials, and teacher recommendations. Depending on faculty participation, which varies from year to year, students may be accepted to do research in a second or third choice of preference. Students must complete the online application form (coming soon) as well as provide a brief essay stating the reason(s) why you wish to participate in the program, college transcript(s), and one letter of recommendation from a science faculty member who is familiar with your work. Applicants are expected to have completed one year of biology prior to the summer program and must be classified as undergraduate students (NSF requirement). Applications are due Wednesday, February 11, 2015, and notification of acceptance will be made on or before Friday, April 10, 2015. Those selected for the research program receive a stipend for the period of May 18 - July 24 and on-campus housing is provided.

All students must be free from other responsibilities by May 17, 2015, so they can participate in the required research orientation workshop. The workshop is offered as a one-unit (CR/NC) upper-division course, and the workshop (including course credit) is offered free of charge for students in the research program. Please contact Dr. Jay Brewster, Natural Science Division, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu CA 90263-4321 (jay.brewster@pepperdine.edu) for more information.

Visit https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/surb/ for information about the program and application process.