Registration Open for Inaugural Hands-On Summer Research Program

The Department of Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology (RCCB) is sponsoring a free, eight-week program offering students hands-on laboratory research experience with Albany Medical College scientists as well as guidance on career and professional development, and networking opportunities with faculty, students and alumni.

PURPOSE – Program for Undergraduate Research and Professional development Opportunities for Summer research Experience – is currently accepting applications for this summer’s inaugural course.

“Developing critical thinking, creativity, complex reasoning and written and oral communication skills are key to success in graduate school and careers in scientific research,” said Ralf-Peter Czekay, PhD, an instructor in RCCB and one of the program’s course directors. “PURPOSE offers motivated students support in all of these areas; it is a true gateway to graduate education.”

Eligible applicants must be undergrad college students who have completed their sophomore, junior or senior year and have taken college courses in general biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or chemistry.

PURPOSE students will work closely with researchers on projects related to the cellular and molecular biology of human disease, cancer biology, molecular therapeutics, and cell growth and differentiation.

In addition, interactive class sessions will cover topics in the areas of scientific, academic and professional development, including applying the scientific method, designing research questions, developing personal statements and preparing effective research posters. Students will also have the opportunity to ask recent RCCB graduates about what to expect in grad school as part of a round table luncheon.

The program will run from June 6 to July 29. The registration deadline is March 31.