VCU Bioinformatics & Bioengineering
Summer Institute Application
Please read all the way through before filling in the boxes. This is because you'll probably want to have the last questions answered first before starting with the boxes. Saving the form doesn't save what you filled in.

N.B. Every few years the Institute needs to reapply to the National Science Foundation for funding. This is one of those years. Therefore, we must state that the opportunity to participate in the BBSI is contingent on our receiving continued funding. We expect to hear by the end of February, 2010.
Sad to say, we are not in operation for Summer 2011
So this application form is non-functional
Basic Information
your name
(your quest )
(your favorite color )
home institution
mailing address
e-mail phone
NSF/NIH regulations require, unfortunately, that financial support be provided only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Are you a citizen or permanent resident? Yes No
The VCU BBSI program extends for two summers at VCU and the intervening academic year at your home institution.
Are you prepared to participate in the full duration of the program? Yes No
How did you hear of the Institute?
Academic Advisor Information
name
department
e-mail phone
Background
major (declared or planned) GPA (major)
other academic interests GPA (total)
Anticipated month/year of graduation


Biology
   Courses taken (check all that apply, put others you think pertinent in box):

Organismal biology 
Genetics 
Cell biology 
Molecular biology 
Ecology of some sort 

Physical Science/Engineering
   Courses taken (check all that apply, put others you think pertinent in box):
General chemistry
Organic chemistry
Quantitative chemistry
General physics 

Mathematics
   Courses taken (check all that apply, put others you think pertinent in box):
Calculus
Differential equations
Linear algebra
Statistics and probability

Computers
   Courses taken and your experience using computers. Include any experience
   you may have had with programming and the languages you used.
References
Arrange for two people who are familiar with your strengths, weaknesses, and peculiarities to each send a letter regarding your application to the VCU-BBSI. At least one of these people should be a faculty member of your institution who is willing to work with you and with us during the academic year between the two summers at VCU.  

Direct these people to the following site, through which their letters will be submitted:


Person who has agreed to act as your local mentor and who will send us a letter regarding your application to VCU-BBSI:
name
department
relationship
to you

Second person who has agreed to send us a letter regarding your application to VCU-BBSI:
name
department
relationship
to you
You in your own words

Address the questions that follow and submit below a file containing your answers. The file can be PDF, HTML, or any common word processor format. (Note suggested response lengths at end of each question)

1. Propose an experiment that could answer an interesting question. You might extend something you have already done, in a previous research project or in a class, or you might propose something wholly new to you. Your proposal should consist of the following parts, each one or two paragraphs:

  • What is the greater context of the question? Why is that issue of interest? What is already known about the issue? What is not? How does all this relate to the much smaller question that you propose to answer?
  • How do you propose to answer the question? You can presume resources of a well-equiped laboratory (or equivalent). You cannot presume infinite time. In fact, confine yourself to what you think could be accomplished in a matter of days, weeks, or months.
  • What results can you anticipate (not just the results you may hope for)? What would each imply? What problems do you think you might encounter? How might you address them?
Presume your audience to be composed of people very much like yourself but without your particular knowledge of the area. Every statement of fact should be provided with a reference.

2. Why are you applying to the VCU-BBSI? What do you hope to gain? What question do you hope to answer? (a few sentences)
3. Describe one thing you do really well. Do so with a concrete example of an instance where you threw yourself into an activity. (~1 paragraph)
    
4.In the event that there is something you feel is important that could not fit into any of the provided opportunities for expression, here's your chance.
 
Upload the file with your answers:


Thanks!