2020 MBI Summer REU Program at Ohio State University
MBI administers a multi-institution summer REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program in the mathematical biosciences each year. The objectives of the program are: (1) to introduce a diverse cohort of undergraduate students to the mathematical biosciences, broadly interpreted to include areas such as biostatistics, bioinformatics, and computational biology, in addition to biologically-inspired mathematical modeling; (2) to encourage students to pursue graduate study in the mathematical biosciences; and (3) to increase the number of students who enter the workforce with training in this field.
REU participants work on projects in areas such as molecular evolution, neuronal oscillatory patterning, cancer genetics, epidemics and vaccination strategies, and animal movement. Participants work individually or in pairs under the guidance of expert mentors to make specific research contributions in these areas, often leading to a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations. The REU program incorporates various professional and research-skills development activities throughout the summer to help ensure the participants’ success in completing their summer project and to prepare them for graduate study or entering the workforce.
The program consists of three parts:
Mathematical Biosciences Bootcamp (June 8th - 12th, 2020) at MBI
Participants are introduced to various areas of the mathematical biosciences via lectures, computer labs, and visits to biological labs on campus.
Mentored Research Experience (June 15th - July 31st, 2020) at the REU host sites
Participants complete a mentored research project individually or in pairs at one of MBI's partner institutions. Participants also attend a weekly online seminar series and virtual all-program meeting.
Capstone Week (August 3th - 6th, 2020) at MBI
Participants return to MBI for a wrap-up week featuring student talks and posters, keynote talks by prominent mathematical and biological scientists, and Q&A panels.
The MBI Summer REU Program uses the REU Common Application system. To apply, register at https://www.nsfreu.org and select the MBI REU in the list of sites you wish to apply to. MBI is participating in the REU Common Reply Date, meaning that we will not require applicants to accept or decline an offer to participate until March 8 or later.
Please visit https://mbi.osu.edu/events/2020-summer-reu-program for additional information about this REU program and its host sites.