Summer Research
Last Updated: July 12, 2023
I am a huge proponent for undergraduate-powered research. If I could have my way, I'd mentor a slew of undergraduates in my lab every summer. However, due to space and money issues, I can only host a small handful each summer.
In the summer of 2023, the Janowiak lab is taking a break from undergrad research. Instead, Negar (left photo) and Gwen (middle photo) are holding down the fort for the Janowiak lab. We'll be back at it again in the fall with a whole team of undergraduate researchers. In the meantime, we are hosting a virtual undergraduate researcher, Catherine Leonor (right photo), as part of the National Summer Undergraduate Research Project (NSURP) program.
In the summer of 2022, the Janowiak lab consisted again of our three graduate students but also three motivated undergrad researchers who were each part of a different summer research program: 1) Dylan Bjorn was participating in the inaugural SLU Scholarly Undergraduate Research Grants and Experiences (SURGE), 2) Ali Hamed was participating in the SLU McNair's Scholars Summer Program, and 3) Tamia Scott was participating virtually through the National Summer Undergraduate Research Project (NSURP) program.
Graduate students (Andy, Negar, and Gwen):
Undergraduate students (Ali, Dylan, and Tamia):
In the summer of 2021, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, summer research was again affected. Our summer research lab consisted of three graduate students diligently working on and developing their research projects.
Dr. Janowiak did get the wonderful opportunity of hosting one undergraduate virtually to help her work on her DBER-related CURE research project. This virtual research was made possible due to the National Summer Undergraduate Research Project (NSURP) program for 2021.
Summer 2021 crew (Andy, Negar, Gwen, and Kylah):
In the summer of 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, summer research was restricted to one graduate student practicing social distancing in the lab all by himself. Andy was keeping the lab research going, while the rest of us stayed out of his way.
In the summer of 2019, we were rolling in research. I hosted 1 STARS high school student, four undergraduate volunteers (one is not shown in the photo), and one graduate student. Here is a photo of the crew:
In the summer of 2018, we were back to having a productive, cohesive lab. I hosted 1 STARS high school student, one undergraduate volunteer (photo not shown), and three graduate students (one is missing from the photo). We had another very productive summer. Here is a photo of the crew:
In the summer of 2017, our lab was a bit disjointed and working out of various labs. As a result of unforeseen circumstances, we didn't host any undergrads that summer, and only hosted 1 STARS high school student (co-mentored by Dr. Scott Sell) and 1 graduate student (hosted partially in Dr. Joyce Koenig's lab). No photos of that summer, and it's probably for the best. :)
In the summer of 2016, I hosted 4 STARS high school students (it was a very ambitious year), two undergraduates (one volunteer and one on a fellowship from ASM), and two graduate students. We had a very productive summer, ending with the graduation of one of the grad students. Here is a photo of the crew:
In the summer of 2015, I hosted 2 STARS high school students (one not shown), three undergraduates (two volunteers and one for academic credit), and two graduate students. We had a very productive summer. Here is a photo of the crew:
In the summer of 2014, I hosted 2 STARS high school students, five undergraduates (two paid, two volunteers, and one for academic credit), and two graduate students. It was another full lab, but it was fantastic. Here's a photo from our trip out to lunch at the Fieldhouse to cheer on the U.S.A. during the World Cup:
In the summer of 2013, I hosted 2 STARS high school students, four undergraduate volunteers, and one graduate student (Julia). Full lab of girl power, but we had a grand time! Here's a photo of all of us from a visit to the Flying Cow (wonderful frozen yogurt place):
In the summer of 2012, I hosted a STARS high school student, four undergraduate volunteers, and my brand new graduate student. Due to busy summer schedules, I don't have a photo of everyone together at the same time, but here is the undergrad crew hard at work and the best I could do at a group photo...
The summer of 2011 I hosted three paid undergraduate research positions, one BE@SLU REU student, and one STARS high school student. We had a grand time together, and produced very fruitful research. Here's a photo of our fun crew:
Next summer (2023), I'll (hopefully) again be hosting a STARS high school student (or two). If you are a talented local (St. Louis metropolitan area) high school student, please check out the Students and Teachers as Research Scientist (STARS) program. As of right now, my funding for other students in the summer is unclear. Therefore, at the current moment, I will only be hosting student volunteers for summer 2023.
Since I can't host as many of you as I would like, I strongly recommended you to seek other venues for summer research. It's a great way to get more experience in lab techniques, different types of research, and see another part of the country. Here are some great summer research opportunities:
Medical College of Wisconsin (my PhD alma mater)
The Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) provides the opportunity for students to learn first-hand the potential of the biomedical sciences as an interesting and fulfilling career. The SPUR program provides laboratory experience in science, in which the undergraduate works with graduate faculty, students, and staff on significant ongoing basic science research issues. This program is primarily intended for students interested in a PhD degree in biomedical sciences. We also encourage applicants interested in obtaining a dual degree (MD and PhD) to apply.
Deadline: usually around February 15th
More information: http://www.mcw.edu/graduateschool/programsSPUR.htm
Harvard Medical School (my postdoc alma mater)
The Division of Medical Sciences also runs the Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP) at Harvard Medical School. In 2011 the Division will offer SHURP for the twenty-first consecutive year, from Tuesday, May 31 to Saturday, August 6. SHURP is a ten-week summer research program primarily for college students belonging to groups that are under-represented in the sciences. SHURP presently has 437 alumni from colleges across the country, over 90% of whom are continuing or planning to continue training and careers in the sciences. SHURP is one of the summer research programs participating in the Summer Research Early Identification Program of the Leadership Alliance, a consortium of 33 colleges and universities dedicated to improving the participation of historically underrepresented students in graduate education programs. The Program is offered for currently-enrolled undergraduates who are considering careers in biological or biomedical research sciences, who have already had at least one summer (or equivalent term-time) of experience in a research laboratory, and who have taken at least one upper-level biology course that includes molecular biology. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required.
Deadline: usually around February 1st
More information: http://www.hms.harvard.edu/dms/diversity/Application.html#FAQ
Saint Louis University
SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience) at Parks College
Every January applications are requested for summer undergraduate research positions in Engineering and Aviation Research at Saint Louis University. All students interested in working in a research position during the summer are required to complete the application process as described below. Preference is given to rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. Information regarding potential projects is provided online prior to the application deadline. Students are expected to apply to specific research projects and are hired to work within a specific area. The SURE is 10 weeks long, beginning in late May and ending in late July (May 23 - July 29, 2011) Each student is required to spend 40 hours/wk during those 10 weeks to complete their project. A research stipend of $400/week is provided. Housing and meals are borne by the student. There are additional activities scheduled during the summer requiring attendance (such as seminars, discussions, and tours) and a final seminar style presentation at the end of the summer program is also required.
Deadline: Usually around February 20th
More information: http://parks.slu.edu/current-students/sure/
Other opportunities
Here's a wonderful website with tons of links to exciting undergraduate research opportunities. Check it out!
my first summer lab crew - summer of 2011!
summer of 2019 crew!
