Internships

The Danforth Center Summer Internship program exposes students to a rich research environment in a small, friendly institution with a welcoming atmosphere. We have created a program that gives students experience with all aspects of modern scientific research, from design to experimentation to reporting. At the same time, we provide insight into the personal qualities of a good researcher, the steps to take on the road to becoming a scientist, and the broader implications of scientific discovery.

DESCRIPTION | RESEARCH AREAS | APPLY | CONTACT

The Danforth Center is a highly collaborative institution and interns find an interactive and supportive atmosphere. Our goal is to give each student positive insight into the research environment, as well as to teach valuable research skills. We facilitate connections among interns and their scientific colleagues through discussion forums, informal lunches, social gatherings, and through the Center's daily "tea time".

Structure

The program spans eleven weeks each summer. The 2013 program dates are Monday, May 20 – Friday, August 2, 2013.

Students from universities across the nation are matched with a scientist who is a senior researcher at the Danforth Center. Interns participate in a diverse set of research areas including:

During the first week of the program, interns and mentors will work together to design a project for the summer session. For more information on mentors and their research areas, visit the research areas page.

Throughout the 11 weeks, students will:

• gain hands-on experience in the lab and learn the use of a variety of technologies for research.
• attend workshops in the Center's state-of-the-art support facilities, including the Integrated Microscopy Facility, the Mass Spectrometry and Bioseparations Facility, and the Plant Cell Culture and Transformation Facility.
• participate in career pathway discussions with experienced researchers and take field trips to local universities and industries with plant or life science focuses.
• attend weekly seminars on issues related to biotechnology. These discussions are planned to give students insight into the social, political, and economic implications of current research--and to allow them to voice their opinions, as well.
• At the end of the summer session, each intern will present a summary of his/her research in the Center's AT&T auditorium before an audience of scientific peers. A brief written report is also required and students will be carefully guided through the process of preparation of the written report and oral presentation. The presentation and report are a vital part of the education of young scientists.

Requirements

Interns are expected to:

• work at least 40 hours per week during this time. No vacations will be permitted during the 11-week program (except for official Danforth Center-wide holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Holidays).
• be present for the full eleven-week period.
• turn in a research paper at the end of the program.
• be present at the all-day symposium on the final day of the program and make a 15 minute presentation.

Stipends

The REU program pays a stipend of $5500 for the eleven week period. There is an additional $500 travel stipend and a $500 food stipend as well. Interns will receive stipend payments on the 15th and the last day of each month. Stipends for interns who are funded by sources other than REU may vary from this amount.

Eligibility*

Candidates for the program:

• must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associates degree. Students who are transferring from one institution to another (and have been accepted at the second institution) may participate. High school graduates who have not yet enrolled are not eligible. Students who have received their bachelor's degrees (or will receive a degree before the program dates) and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible for the REU program.
• must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.**
• should be majoring in a plant or life science field and have relevant coursework. Prior research experience is not required.
• must be able to work at least 40 hours per week for the entire eleven week term.
• Students who have already participated in the program are not eligible to reapply. Those students are encouraged to work with their previous mentors regarding rehiring.

*You must inform us if your eligibility status changes during the application or selection process. Your application will be withdrawn If your eligibility status changes. You may submit your application again as a new application (if positions are still available) once you meet the eligibility requirements. Your application will be considered "new" and previous offers/considerations will be void.

**due to grant restrictions, we are unable to fund interns who are not citizens or permanent residents.

Housing

Interns who have no family in St. Louis with which to stay are given housing priority. Out of town interns who are accepted into the NSF-funded REU program will be housed in nearby apartments, within a short bus ride. Typically, interns are placed in 2-bedroom apartments housing 4 interns (2 interns per bedroom). The apartments are fully furnished and include all kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom furnishings.

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