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Modeling the Dynamics of Biological Systems REU

Application

Please carefully read the following important information about eligibility and application requirements prior to submitting your application materials.

Who Should Apply

The program is open to all rising sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in biology research and who are enrolled in a program leading to a baccalaureate degree. Applicants will be evaluated based on their statement of interest, transcript, and letters of recommendation. We particularly encourage students from underrepresented minority groups and from colleges with limited research opportunities to apply. Prior research experience is not required. NC State is an equal opportunity institution and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status.

Applicants must:

  1. Be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.
  2. Not have participated in a prior REU program. 
  3. Be currently enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate degree program.

How To Apply

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Application Deadline: January 15, 2025

Application for summer 2025 coming soon. You should have the following materials ready as PDF files prior to completing the application:

  • You will need a copy of your undergraduate transcript; downloaded or scanned unofficial transcripts are acceptable. These can be obtained from your college or university’s Registration and Records department.
  • Prepare an up-to-date CV or resume. This document should include information on your educational track, lab skills, honors, extracurricular activities, volunteerism, and any job experience.
  • Upload a one-page single-spaced (Times New Roman, 1” margins) personal statement.This statement should demonstrate:
    • why you are interested in science and specifically why you want to engage in quantitative imaging research through our program.
    • your career and educational goals.
    • why you think this biological imaging research experience would benefit you.
    • how you promote diversity.
    • your preferred mentors/areas of research based on the sample projects listed on the Research Areas page.
  • Ask two references to submit letters of recommendation via ETAP. References should be professionals who have been able to observe your academic or job performance, such as professors, supervisors, mentors, or coaches. Letters from peers or family members are not acceptable. As a courtesy to your references, please allow them at least two weeks notice to write a strong letter on your behalf. It is helpful to also provide your references with a link to the REU opportunity, why you wish to participate, a copy of your transcript, and CV/resume.

FAQs

No, you must have undergraduate status during the summer. You may graduate after the summer term is over, but not before.

We do not require official transcripts. You can send unofficial transcripts downloaded from your university or a copy of a recent original. We will contact you if we have questions about your grades and courses.

The Research Experience for Undergraduates program is a full-time, ten-week program. All participants must be present for the entire duration of the program. You should consult with your assigned faculty mentor regarding your specific weekly work schedule and flexibility.

Yes, you can apply again; however, due to the popularity of the REU program, priority is given to first-time participants.

Yes, as an REU participant, you will attend seminars featuring diverse speakers as well as design and perform an outreach activity with high school students.

Yes, you can apply, but priority is given to students from institutions that have less access to research opportunities. You may want to consider looking at other REU opportunities.

Participants will be notified in April of their acceptance into the program.

The NC State campus is located in Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. There are many restaurants, stores, and running trails within walking distance of campus. Raleigh also features the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Museum of History, and the North Carolina Museum of Art. Adjacent to Raleigh is the Research Triangle Park, featuring many biotechnology companies.

We value diversity in all of its forms! Reach out to us for a discussion of the program and what your needs for participation might be. Reasonable accommodations, for example, service animals, wheelchair accessibility, needing to sit while working, low distraction environments, and dietary restrictions, will be honored. ASL interpretation is available for all group events. We will also work together to form a community that supports each other on our journeys.

Please direct any additional questions to:

Dr. Stefanie Chen, Director: slchen2@ncsu.edu

Dr. Melissa Srougi, Co-Director: mcsrougi@ncsu.edu

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Additional Questions