$16,500 Fellowship in Biomedical Research
The INBRE Scholar Program
Application due December 16, 2021
A $17.2 million National Institutes of Health grant supports the Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program in Nebraska. The program, which is funded through INBRE is aimed at creating a biomedical research infrastructure that provides research opportunities for undergraduate students and serves as a pipeline for those students to continue into graduate research.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
INBRE is a scholarship program that selects highly qualified undergraduates for an unparalleled opportunity to pursue original biomedical research within academic laboratories in Nebraska. It is geared to those aspiring to pursue advanced education in biomedical research (i.e., a Ph.D. degree). The program requires a two-year commitment. Usually, 3-4 new students will be selected as INBRE scholars each year. For more information, visit http://www.unmc.edu/inbre and https://biosci.unl.edu/inbre-scholar-program.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Any student, generally in their second year (i.e., sophomores), who will not graduate until May 2024 is eligible. Students pursuing a major in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) are ideally suited for this program. This program is intended for students preparing themselves for educational or employment opportunities in a field of biomedical/STEM research after completion of their undergraduate degree.
PROGRAM BENEFITS:
• $4,000 for the first summer conducting research at a major research institution in Nebraska; $3,000 for each academic year of participation; and $4,500 for the second summer for research conducted at the scholar’s home institution.
• Free housing for the first and second summers. If housing is not needed, then $1,000 will be added to each summer stipend.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
• Complete a 10-week summer training program in biomedical research within a laboratory at UNMC, UNL, or Creighton during the first summer in the program (in 2022, starting May 31st and ending August 5th). Scholars must devote full time effort (40 hours per week).
• Join an INBRE-supported research laboratory at UNL and conduct original research for the next two academic years and the summer in between. This will require 40 hours/week during the summer and at least 10 hours/week during the academic year. Potential mentors at UNL include: https://www.unmc.edu/inbre/mentors/inbre-mentors/unl/index.html.
• Present research results during both junior and senior years at the annual INBRE meeting in August (for 2022, August 7th-9th) and the Nebraska Academy of Sciences meeting in April (for 2023, date TBD). Presenting at additional local, regional, and national venues is also strongly encouraged if resources and circumstances allow.
Note: This program involves a significant time commitment that will limit the ability of INBRE scholars to work another job on or off campus. Outside employment and enrollment in summer courses are not allowed during the 10-week summer research sessions. Some degree of employment can occur during the academic years, but scholars should talk to their local INBRE campus leadership about any additional work and will need to ensure that they can complete their responsibilities for the INBRE program. INBRE scholars should not work in a second lab or receive payment from the UNL UCARE program or other research funding. Considering these expectations, the NE-INBRE program provides generous stipends described above to help address scholars’ financial obligations. For further info, contact Dr. Brian Couch at bcouch2@unl.edu or Dr. Angie Pannier at apannier2@unl.edu.
INBRE Scholar Application
A complete application packet for the INBRE scholar program must be submitted by December 16, 2021. Submit application electronically to INBRE Fellowship Selection Committee, Attn: Dr. Brian Couch, School of Biological Sciences, bcouch2@unl.edu.
A complete application consists of the following items, submitted together as one document in the following order:
• Application form (see below)
• Statement of Interest: up to 2 pages, double-spaced, 11 pt font. Address each of the following questions:
o Why are you interested in biomedical research? Indicate where you first heard about the INBRE program.
o What are your future educational and career goals following graduation from UNL?
o Do you have any research experience? How will this program benefit your career goals?
o Which UNL lab(s) you are most interested in working within (see link above) and why?
Note: You are strongly encouraged to speak to former or current INBRE scholars. Insights gained from such conversation(s) regarding the INBRE program will likely strengthen your Statement of Interest.
• Copy of most recent UNL transcript
• Resume/CV
Also: Arrange for one letter of recommendation to be emailed directly to Dr. Brian Couch. The letter should address the applicant’s scientific potential, academic prowess, research experience, and character.
Students selected for interviews will be contacted by the INBRE Campus Coordinator, Dr. Brian Couch.
Personal Information (please print legibly)
First Name Last Name
Address
City State Zip
Phone Number Email
Are you a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident? □ Yes □ No
Academics
Class Status Fr. So. Jr. Sr.
Major(s) Minor(s)
Cumulative GPA STEM GPA
Recommendation Letter
Ask your reference to send their letter by email directly to bcouch2@unl.edu by the application deadline.
Reference
Name Phone Number
Email Relationship
More details at: http://www.unmc.edu/inbre