Is research part of your summer plans??

Applications for GSRP summer positions are currently under review.
We anticipate making initial award announcements during the first week of March.

However......
Other regional and national summer research opportunities may still be accepting applications.  See Get Off-campus! for many exciting summer internships, or contact Christy Watson or Dr. Howard Glass if you have a specific position or location in mind.  Most deadlines are in January and February, so don't delay!

Academic year research - Spring 2013

Important dates for spring semester

• Spring Research Pizza Lunch
  Thursday Jan. 17th at 12:30 pm in HU 014
• GSRP Summer Research Applications Due
  Friday Feb. 8th by 5:00 pm
• Timothy J. O'Leary, S.J., Lecture Series
  presented by Dr. Bruce Alberts
  Public Lecture on Monday, March 18th,
  Student Lecture on Tuesday March 19th
• Gonzaga University Presidential Speaker Series
  Dr. Jane Goodall
  Tuesday, April 9th at 7:00 pm in the McCarthey Athletic Center
• Spokane Intercollegiate Research Conference
  Saturday April 27th at Whitworth University

Undergraduate Research Program Description

Students in Gonzaga's Biology and Chemistry and Biochemistry departments have the opportunity to enhance their college experience through independent research in a faculty mentor's laboratory. Gonzaga's HHMI supported programs in the sciences provide internships both over the summer and during the academic year for hands-on laboratory training.
We have a limited number of paid positions each semester, and sometimes it takes more than one semester to receive a position.  Fall semester applications are available the first week of classes and are due about one week later.  Spring semester applications are available in early November, and are due just after the Thanksgiving Break.  Applications for full-time summer positions are available in late January, and are due about two weeks later.  Decisions for summer are usually made just prior to spring break.  All application materials are submitted on-line to Dr. Howard Glass, and will be available from this site at the appropriate time.

Here are some suggestions to make you more competitive for the next round of awards:

1. Always go and talk to a prospective mentor prior to listing them on your application.  Faculty need to know you are genuinely enthusiastic about the research before they will agree to be your mentor.
2. Consider volunteering or working for credit this semester.  If you can show a faculty member what an asset you will be to their lab, you are much more competitive for a paid position when one becomes available.
3. Continue to take a wide variety of courses, and do well in them.  Show that you are a competent student who is able to take on the addition challenge of independent research.

Options for independent research

HHMI/GSRP supported assistantships

• Academic year assistantships come with a $650 stipend and are for one semester each.
  Students are expected to work an average of 5-6 hours per week during the semester.
  A student may receive up to two assistantships, and you must apply again to receive one for a second semester.
• Summer semester assistantships pay $10 per hour, with a maximum of 440 hours and a minimum of 320 hours.
  Students may work for a combination of credit and pay.
• Biology majors must enroll in the Research Option.

Grants to individual faculty members

• Some faculty have grants to support undergraduate research in their labs. 
• These positions do not have a time limit, and the hours per week and salary are decided on each individual case.
• If you are particularly interested in a faculty member's research, please contact them to see if this an option.

Research for credit

• Independent research may also be done for academic credits.  The type of research may be either in the lab, or a directed reading.
• Together the student and faculty fill out an application for individualized study
• Typically 1 credit is awarded for 5 hours of work per week.

Research Off-campus

• For a listing of some of the research options off-campus, see Get Off-campus!
  
• Many deadlines are in Fall semester - don't put off your applications!

General Information

In the Biology department, the Research Option provides research-interested students additional advising and research experiences, as well as additional classes in mathematics and participation in local outreach programs.

In the Chemistry and Biochemistry department, the Senior Thesis provides a year-long independent research project for students during their senior year.

For more information on the many types of research being conducted in both departments, see the Faculty Research Interests page. Funding for research projects is provided by a number of sources, including Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Gonzaga University Science Research Program (GSRP) and grants to individual faculty members. In addition, research can be done for academic credits.

See how our program has grown in "pizza equivalents"!