Fellowship and Award Programs Available for Undergraduate Research in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Caltech Programs for underrepresented students in the sciences
Caltech programs provide support for talented undergraduates to spend 8-10 weeks during the summer working in a research laboratory on the Caltech campus. The MURF program aims to increase the representation of underrepresented students in science and engineering graduate programs and to make Caltech's programs more visible to students not traditionally exposed to Caltech. The program supports Caltech's commitment to training a diverse set of science, technology, engineering, and math leaders. Applications will be considered from eligible students without regard to gender, race, or ethnicity.
Applications are encouraged from students who wish to work in a modern academic research laboratory under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers. The program will expose students to the excitement and opportunities of a research career. This experience will provide excellent preparation for students interested in subsequently pursuing a Ph.D. degree.
MURF students will work in the laboratory of a Caltech faculty member or a JPL technical staff member in a research area matched to the interests expressed in the student's application. Guidance and supervision of the research project will be provided by the faculty member along with a postdoctoral fellow and/or advanced graduate student.
Weekly seminars and roundtable discussions led by Caltech faculty will be given on different areas of research at the frontiers of science and engineering. The ability to communicate effectively is an essential aspect of scientific training. Each student will give an oral presentation on his/her research project on Summer Seminar Day.
Counseling and advice will be provided on a variety of topics, including graduate admissions, financial aid, and career opportunities in science and engineering. Students will also enjoy social, cultural, and outdoor activities in Pasadena and in the greater Los Angeles area.
Caltech has a long-standing tradition of encouraging its own undergraduates to carry out summer research on campus through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships program.
For further information and to access our online application, please visit the MURF web site at www.murf.caltech.edu.
Ongoing programs
The following additional programs are available to support and reward undergraduate students who wish to pursue research projects in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Other details on departmental scholarships are available from the SDSU Scholarship office.
- Minority Access to Research Careers program, sponsored by the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences.
- Minority Biomedical Research Support program, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
- McNair Scholars Program for students interested in pursuing the Ph.D. degree.
- Biotechnology Student Travel Grants, sponsored by CSUPERB.
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research (mentor must pay inexpensive membership dues to be eligible for application).
- Funds for travel to present results from undergraduate research may be available from the College of Sciences IRA budget. Ask your research director to contact the College at 594-1204.
Links to resources for employment and research internships outside the Department are available at the jobs webpage.