Home
Education
NSF Undergraduate Research Experience

We are excited to confirm that the program will run in summer 2022!

Synthetic Biology Research Experience for Undergraduates (SynBREU)

We are looking for ten highly motivated students with an interest in research at the interface of biology, engineering, chemistry, math and physics to participate in the 2022 summer research program for undergraduates.
Download the program flyer

Printer-friendly program flyer

About This Program

This is a ten-week program of mentored, research-intensive activities in the field of synthetic biology including:

Laboratory skills training and introduction to synbio techniques
Ten weeks of hands-on research in a Northwestern University laboratory under the guidance of one or more of the program’s faculty mentors
Workshops, seminars, and activities to strengthen related skillsets including communication, design, ethics, teamwork, and entrepreneurship

Program Duration

The program will take place from June 20^th – August 27^th, 2022

Participants must be available for 9 of the 10 weeks of the program starting June 20^th

Deadlines

The deadline for the receipt of applications: February 18^th, 2022
The deadline for the receipt of recommendation letters: February 25^th, 2022
Decisions expected: Mid-March

Funding

This program is supported by the National Science Foundation. Participants will receive partial or full room and board, paid travel expenses for those not in the Chicagoland area, meal plan, and a $6,000 stipend.

Eligibility

Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident and/or U.S. national
Must be an undergraduate. If you have not graduated by the program end date, you are eligible
All majors are eligible given your your academic and career interests in related subject matter. We prioritize diversity of majors and interests
Must be available for at least 9 weeks during the summer of 2022
No prior research experience is required - we look for students with and without experience
Students from universities without a PhD program in a synbio-related area (such as biology, bioengineering, or chemistry) are especially encouraged to apply

How to Apply

Complete and submit the required online application. In the application, you will be asked to upload the following documents as PDFs:

Resume
Transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
Supplemental Essays and Questionnaire form (download here)
Contact information for at least one reference (the online application system will automatically send a request for recommendation letters to the reference(s) you provide)

Start the online application

FAQ

Q: When will applications open?
A: The application site becomes available in January.

Q: My major is ____, will I be considered for this if I apply?
A: Yes! We ask about your field of study only to ensure that each cohort includes a diverse set of backgrounds, and no application will be declined simply because of major.

Q: I don't have previous research experience. Should I wait to apply until my resume is stronger?
A: No! Apply every year that you are eligible, if it is in line with your interests. We consider candidates with and without research experience, and at least half of our cohort will not have research opportunities at their home institution. This does not count against you, and conversely, those with experience are not favored or biased against either. We are looking for diverse backgrounds and training for each summer cohort.

Q: If I am only able to participate for 8 weeks, could I still attend?
A: Unfortunately, no. You must be available to work on projects full-time for at least 9 weeks of Summer 2022, starting June 20^th.

Q: Will this be a remote, hybrid, or on-campus opportunity?
A: We are currently working to make this an on-campus opportunity but recognize that with the changing circumstances this may become either hybrid (on-campus for some and remote for others) or fully remote. We will update the website with the latest information as we have it. If you have extenuating circumstances that would permit only your remote participation, please still apply but note this in your application.

Q: Who should write my letter of recommendation?
A: We encourage you to seek a letter from someone who can speak to your academic and/or professional work ethic and engagement. This can be a professor or supervisor. Please do not solicit recommendations from friends and relatives.