The Nebraska Summer Research Program is committed to quality mentoring and research projects. We limit our summer offerings to active research labs and projects led by faculty who have established themselves as excellent undergraduate student mentors. Since each program has several Summer Research Program scholars, you'll have peers and colleagues in which to share your educational experience with.

2013 Programs

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Other Research Opportunities at the University of Nebraska

University Medical Center
The University of Nebraska Medical Center has research projects ranging from basic molecular biology to the study of human disease in clinical settings.
UNMC Eppley Cancer & Allied Diseases Research Summer Program
Students in the Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program at the Eppley Cancer Research Institute though UNMC do hands-on cancer research. Students learn research techniques and concepts and work with professional researchers.

SROP: Integrated Development of Bioenergy Systems

Study Bioenergy!
The research of today for the solutions of tomorrow

Pending Funding


2013 Dates and Stipend

Start: June 3, 2013
End: August 7, 2013
Stipend: $5,000

Contact Info

Dr. Paul Blum
Professor of Biological Sciences
402-472-2769
pblum1@unl.edu
SROP Website
 

Who Should Apply

Related majors and areas
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Any Engineering
  • Most Science
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
For more information, refer to the eligibility page.

Applicants to this program should also have:
  • Minimum GPA 3.0
  • Sophomore standing or higher

How to Apply

Steps and Required Items
To apply, follow these application steps to submit the following materials.

Application Timeline
  • Wed., Nov. 14, 2012 — Application opens
  • Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 — Priority deadline
  • Fri., Feb. 15, 2013 — Application deadline
  • Fri., Mar. 15, 2013 — Decisions complete
See more timeline information.

Events and Benefits

Program Events
  • Weekly Wednesday seminar lunches
  • Campus and department orientation
  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Canoe and camping trip
  • Research symposium
Benefits
  • Competitive stipend
  • Double-occupancy room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.


Research and Mentors

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The School of Biological Sciences' Microbiology Initiative and Center for Plant Sciences Innovation administers the Integrated Development of Bioenergy Systems summer program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Faculty mentors involved in the program are diverse in their research with laboratories covering a wide spectrum of bioenergy research topics such as the study of non-food crops for biomass production, metabolic engineering of oilseed biosynthesis, green algae as liquid biofuel production systems, microbial carbon sequestration, biochemical pathways of lignocellulose conversion, and system engineering of microorganisms for biomass conversion.

Summer scholars in our program are matched with a faculty mentor and participate actively in the design and implementation of a ten-week research project. Students explore the frontiers of knowledge and learn cutting-edge techniques, while having access to state-of-the-art instrumentation in individual labs as well as in the core facilities.

A weekly seminar series will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas with other students, researchers, and faculty. The program also offers a number of social and recreational activities as well as several seminars about graduate school. We expect that the diversity of experiences will encourage students to pursue scientific careers in sustainable energy systems, productively contributing to solving society's needs.

2013 Mentors and Projects

School of Biological Sciences
Co-regulated Gene Networks
The Atkin lab studies gene regulatory mechanisms using yeast as a model with the goal of understanding how genes are co-regulated and the impact that regulation has on cell physiology.
School of Biological Sciences
Energy Metabolism in Thermophiles, Algae and Fungi
Diverse microbes are being engineered to improve synthesis of renewable energy and chemical feedstocks such as cellulosic ethanol, biohydrogen, and chemical intermediates.
Biochemistry
Metabolic Engineering of Methane Production by Anaerobic Archaea
Metabolic engineering of methane production by anaerobic archaea Methanogenic archaea (methanogens) in the environment produce 2 gigatons of methane annually. The Buan lab is focused on engineering methanogens by manipulating the electron transport system to produce organisms that are suitable for industrial-scale production of methane as a renewable energy source.
Biochemistry
Metabolic Engineering and Functional Genomics of Oilseed Crops for Improved Oil Content and Composition
We conduct research to modify lipid metabolism in oilseeds and algae to increase the oil content and improve fatty acid composition of vegetable oils for biofuels and biobased lubricants. The research not only is aimed at outcomes to address world energy needs but also at providing basic insights into plant and algal fatty acid biosynthetic and metabolic pathways and their regulation.
School of Biological Sciences
Algae as Model Systems for Oil Biosynthesis and Biofuel Production
We are interested in improving, by genetic, genomic and biochemical means, the capability of algae to accumulate oil in order to create a reliable and sustainable source for the production of next generation biofuels. Undergraduate students participating in these projects will have the opportunity to learn a variety of biochemistry, molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques; participate in the design, execution and interpretation of experiments; and contribute to publication in scientific journals.
Plant Pathology
Chemical Signaling in Fungi as a Potential Source for Biofuels
Fungi utilize an array of chemical signals to coordinate growth, morphogenesis, and development. Because these signals are related to biofuels and other high-value compounds (e.g., butanol, farnesol), we are interested in learning how they are synthesized and in understanding their mechanisms of action. Current projects will focus on the use of functional genomic screens.
Food Science and Technology
Probiotics and Co-aggregation Systems
Current research is focused on physiological and genetic analyses of carbohydrate metabolism by lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria used as starter cultures and as probiotics. We are particularly interested in how these bacteria metabolize prebiotic sugars and are using functional genomics analyses to identify relevant pathways.
Civil Engineering
Anaerobic Digestion
We are interested in developing and optimizing anaerobic digesters to convert solid and liquid wastes to methane gas and other value added products.  Students will receive interdisciplinary training in environmental engineering and environmental microbiology.
Center for Plant Science Innovation Agronomy and Horticulture
Organelle Adaptation for Increased Cellular Bioenergetics
Developing algae for biofuels will place extreme energy demands on the cell, requiring increased efficiency and energy output from the mitochondria and chloroplasts. We are interested in evaluating the adaptive changes in mitochondria and chloroplasts to meet the bioenergetic needs of oleaginous algae.
School of Biological Sciences
Physiological Aspects of Quorum Sensing in Eukaryotes
Our lab studies bacterial, fungal, and algal systems. Active areas of research include: fungal dimorphism in Candida albicans and Ceratocystis ulmi; farnesol as a quorum sensing molecule (QSM) produced by C. albicans; farnesol's mode of action as a QSM and as a virulence factor; anaerobic growth of C. albicans; urea metabolism in C. albicans and other fungi; biotinylated histones in C. albicans; chlamydospore formation in C. albicans; high cell density QSMs from diatoms and other algae; detergent resistance in algae; and microbial ecology of alkaline lakes in Western Nebraska.
William B. Allington Distinguished Professor of Plant Pathology
Pathogens of Algae
Research in the Van Etten laboratory focuses on the isolation and characterization of large (encode more than 400 proteins) icosahedral, dsDNA-containing, plaque-forming viruses that infect certain unicellular, eukaryotic chlorella-like green algae. These viruses are ubiquitous in fresh water from all over the world. In addition to being pathogens, the algal viruses are a source of elements (e.g., promoters) for genetically modifying algae for biofuels.
School of Biological Sciences
Rock and the Role of Microorganisms in the Environment
Microorganisms are capable of utilizing a diversity of energy sources in the environment as such their metabolism has contributed to the production of biofuels and the generation of electricity. Research in the Weber laboratory assesses and seeks to understand how these organisms take advantage of these energy sources and influence carbon, nitrogen, iron, and uranium cycling in aquatic, soil, and sedimentary environments.
Biochemistry
The Role of the CO2-concentrating Mechanism in Photosynthesis-driven Lipid Biosynthesis in Algae
The CO2-concentating mechanism (CCM) is essential for photosynthesis-dependent growth of most algae. Enhancement of this mechanism through genetic engineering of algae used for algal biofuel production may, in the long-term, have significant practical application. Studies of the CCM in the Weeks laboratory have lead to the discovery of a number of the key components of the CCM in the model alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The focus of the project to be conducted by a student will be to attempt overproduction of the HLA3 bicarbonate transporter to determine if there is enhancement of CO2 uptake, algal growth and lipid synthesis. This project will provide the student with experience in recombinant DNA technology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cell physiology. In addition, the student will have an opportunity to work with the newly developed TALEN system for targeted gene knockout and gene replacement. Starting materials exist for all of the experiments involved in this project and its completion should require no more than eight weeks.
School of Biological Sciences
RNA Silencing in Plants
RNA silencing is a process triggered by 21-24 nucleotide RNAs to repress gene expression. The Yu lab is interested in understanding the mechanisms governing RNA silencing and development of RNA silencing based technologies that can be used to improve crop traits.

SROP: Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Biomedical Devices

Design and innovate with novel biomedical device technologies!

Pending Funding

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2013 Dates and Stipend

Start: June 3, 2013
End: August 7, 2013
Stipend: $4,500

Contact Info

Dr. Carl Nelson
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
402-472-4128
cnelson5@unl.edu
 

Who Should Apply

Related majors and areas
  • Any Engineering
  • Physics
  • Biological Sciences
  • Most other science majors
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
For more information, refer to the eligibility page.

This program encourages applications from students with junior or senior standing.

How to Apply

Steps and Required Items
To apply, follow these application steps to submit the following materials.

Application Timeline
  • Wed., Nov. 14, 2012 — Application opens
  • Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 — Priority deadline
  • Fri., Feb. 15, 2013 — Application deadline
  • Fri., Mar. 15, 2013 — Decisions complete
See more timeline information.

Events and Benefits

Program Events
  • Campus and department orientation
  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Canoe and camping trip
  • Research symposium
Benefits
  • Competitive stipend
  • Double-occupancy room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.


Research and Mentors

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The Biomedical Engineering SROP is designed to provide independent research experience for undergraduate students, broaden participant knowledge of opportunities in academia, industry and national laboratories, and introduce participants to interdisciplinary research in biomedical devices.

The goal of every medical practitioner is to improve quality of life for patients. Biomedical technology and devices are instrumental in achieving this. The primary focus in each summer research project is biomedical devices designed to enhance medical care through science and engineering, with emphasis in three areas: (1) devices for surgical intervention, (2) devices for diagnostics, and (3) devices for implantation.

All projects are designed to be completed during the 10 week program and are a part of a faculty mentor's current research. This allows the student to be involved in many aspects of research, including design, analysis, simulation, and implementation of a biomedical device.

Students are also extensively involved in lab activities, such as weekly lab meetings. Research results are presented during lab meetings throughout the summer and at the end-of-summer in the Summer Research Symposium poster session. Lab members, especially graduate students and postdoctoral associates, are active with summer program research.

2013 Mentors and Projects

Biological Systems Engineering
Real-Time Tendon Injury Diagnosis via Ultrasound Elastography
Perform design and simulation duties and will assist in signal analysis. Learn and apply principles of ultrasound imaging, statistical classification techniques, and design methodology, along with somewhat lighter coverage in anatomy/physiology and computer science.Read more about this project
Mechanical Engineering
Miniature Robots for Surgery
Create image-guided in vivo mini-robots that enable many abdominal surgeries to be converted to the less invasive natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery approach.Read more about this project
Mechanical Engineering
Design of a Percutaneous Aortic Valve
Investigate the effects of leaflet geometry on performance of a new design of a percutaneous prosthesis.Read more about this project
Mechanical Engineering/Surgery
Measuring Biomaterial Properties
Develop specialized methods for obtaining material properties data from soft biological materials to enable more complete understanding of tissues in order to correctly model their interactions with other fluids or structures.Read more about this project
Mechanical Engineering/Surgery
Robotic Technology for Single-Incision-Constrained Workspace
Develop new robotic tools to increase functionality in medical interventions while respecting the associated surgical workspace constraints.Read more about this project
Dmitry Oleynikov, Ph.D.
Surgery
Multifunctional Tools for Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES)
Investigate the extent to which new robotic device technology for NOTES can embody the needed dexterity and stability for performing incisionless surgery.Read more about this project
Biological Systems Engineering
Mouse Head Magnetic Resonance Elastography Actuator
Implement a novel actuation technique will and test the technique using a rotating nose cone to house a mouse brain.Read more about this project
Biological Systems Engineering
Patterning Hydrogels by Fiber-Templating for Cardiac Applications
Develop methods to align multiple layers of fibers within hydrogel for use in tissue engineering, and determine the maximum number of conduits that will not negatively affect overall bulk properties of the hydrogel.Read more about this project
MECHANICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Implantable Biometrics
Researching methods for implanting in vivo sensors and actuators in a manner that is intuitive and non-invasive to the host. Study both the active and passive biomechanics of the implant region and its physiological response to hosting an embedded device long-term.Read more about this project

REU in Chemistry

We're engaged in cutting-edge research on the catalysts, drugs, nanomaterials, and sensors of the FUTURE!

Join our team and we'll make HISTORY!


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2013 Dates and Stipend

Start: June 3, 2013
End: August 7, 2013
Stipend: $5,000

Contact Info

Ms. Kerry Vondrak
Recruiting Staff Assistant
402-472-4453
kerry.vondrak@unl.edu
 

Who Should Apply

Related majors and areas
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemical Engineering
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
For more information, refer to the eligibility page.

This program encourages applications from students with sophomore or junior standing and those planning to pursue an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) upon completion of the bachelor's degree.

How to Apply

Steps and Required Items
To apply, follow these application steps to submit the following materials.

Application Timeline
  • Wed., Nov. 14, 2012 — Application opens
  • Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 — Priority deadline
  • Fri., Feb. 15, 2013 — Application deadline
  • Fri., Mar. 15, 2013 — Decisions complete
See more timeline information.

Events and Benefits

Program Events
  • Campus and department orientation
  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Canoe and camping trip
  • Research symposium
Benefits
  • Competitive stipend
  • Double-occupancy room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.


Research and Mentors

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The Chemistry SROP is focused on curiosity driven basic research. As such, the projects are specifically tailored to stimulate student curiosity by provoking students to ask "Why?" and "How?" about their research. Participants will progress from undergraduate textbook learning to discovering and solving challenging research problems during the 10-week program.

This SROP offers a wide range of topics, including: organic radicals, medical imaging agents, protein-DNA interactions, enzyme-assisted organic synthesis, catalytic nanoparticles, synthesis of algal quorum-sensing molecules, and drug-protein interactions. The faculty mentors bring strong records of commitment to one-on-one mentoring of undergraduates in their research laboratories, and each brings their own multidisciplinary approach, specific research objectives, and experimental methods.

Students will learn and experience a wide range of communication skills during SROP meetings, in mentor group meetings, career development seminars, lunch discussion groups, social activities, and visits to local industry. The program concludes with students presenting their research findings at a campus-wide poster symposium.

2013 Mentors and Projects

Stephen DiMagno, Ph.D.
Organic
Late stage introduction of fluorine into drug-like molecules
To prepare PET radiotracers, the student will learn how to synthesize and prepare them by fluorination reactions with the "cold" (19F) isotope. What are the challenges involving the synthesis of the radiotracers with the "hot" (18F) isotope?
Analytical and Bioanalytical
Biological Mass Spectrometry
To characterize complex covalent and noncovalent biochemical interactions, the student will learn how to amplify DNA, isolate proteins, or study protein glycosylation.
Organic
Quorum-sensing molecules
To control the growth of biofuel algae, the student will learn first how to identify and characterize quorum-sensing molecules and then how to synthesize analogs and test them. What factors control the quorum sensing and how to make the process more efficient?
Analytical and Bioanalytical
Rapid Analysis of Drug-Protein Interactions
To understand how drugs act on the body, the student will learn how to develop new analytical methods for studying the interaction between drugs and blood proteins. What are the driving forces for this interaction and how strong is it compared to a chemical bond?
Organic
Organic Radicals for Organic Magnets, Spin Labels, and MRI Contrast Agents
To prepare the spin labels, students will learn how to synthesize stable organic radicals. Free radicals are typically highly reactive, why then are some radicals such as nitroxides persistent and how to make them more stable?
Analytical
Composite biomaterials for bone grafts
To develop bone graft replacements, the student will learn how to prepare and analyze new biocomposite materials. Why use lactide as an organic component of the biocomposite, and what are the alternatives?
Inorganic
Novel functional materials
To create materials with new properties for electronics, photonics, sensors, and energy storage, the student will synthesize new types of carbon nanotubes and modified graphene.
Chemical Biology
Tracking proteins in the cell
To allow monitoring of the precise spatial and temporal locations for proteins involved in cell motility, students will modify genes so they are specially labeled.
Inorganic
Nanocluster catalysts
To synthesize new catalysts for use in energy production and energy storage, students will prepare nanomaterials with designed shapes and composition.

REU in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Join our program and work with faculty and grad students to explore earth, air, and water! 

Pending Funding



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2013 Dates and Stipend

Start: June 3, 2013
End: August 7, 2013
Stipend: $5,000

Contact Info

Dr. Mindi Searls
Research Assistant Professor
402-472-6934
msearls2@unl.edu

 

Who Should Apply

Related majors and areas
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Civil Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Sciences/Studies
  • Geosciences
  • Meterology
  • Natural Resource Sciences
  • Physics
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
For more information, refer to the eligibility page.

In this program, each project has unique prerequisites. See the Research and Mentors section for more details.

How to Apply

Steps and Required Items
To apply, follow these application steps to submit the following materials.

Application Timeline
  • Wed., Nov. 14, 2012 — Application opens
  • Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 — Priority deadline
  • Fri., Feb. 15, 2013 — Application deadline
  • Fri., Mar. 15, 2013 — Decisions complete
See more timeline information.

Events and Benefits

Program Events
  • Campus and department orientation
  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Canoe and camping trip
  • Research symposium
Benefits
  • Competitive stipend
  • Double-occupancy room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.


Research and Mentors

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The summer research program in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences is administered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. The SROP was established in 2012.

Students work with faculty mentors and conduct cutting-edge research related to water resourcing; microbial community structures; predator-prey interactions and population scaling; paleoecological scaling; and surface faults. This research can be applied to real-world challenges in environmental sciences and prepare scholars for future endeavors studying the earth, air, and water. Individual projects are designed to be completed within the 10-week timeframe of the summer program.

The primary objective of our SROP is to support and develop summer scholars into independent researchers. As such, the format of the research activities is designed around the development of research skills, interaction with interdisciplinary research teams, and opportunities to present research findings.




2013 Mentors and Projects

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Reactivated Basement Faults in SE Nebraska
Use satellite images to accurately map surface faults across the southeast Nebraska region, and use GIS technology to compare this to the location of the Nemaha uplift and presently mapped faults in the region.Read more about this project
Biological Sciences
Predator-prey Interactions and Population Scaling
Study predator-prey interactions and population scaling patterns in the lab using protists in aquatic microcosms.Read more about this project
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Water Resource Predictions
Learn how field data are taken into account in hydrologic models in order to improve water resource predictions.Read more about this project
School of Natural Resources
Sedimentation Rates Along the Platte River valley
Work with coring methods and analyze samples for organic matter and particle size distribution and optically-stimulated luminescence dating methods.Read more about this project
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Fossil Diatoms in Antarctic Paleoenvironmental and Paleoclimate Reconstructions
Examine modern benthic epiphyte assemblages to develop correlation to host macroalgae to better understand the paleoecological signatures in the deep-sea diatom epiphyte records.Read more about this project
School of Natural Resources
Fate of Pharmaceuticals, Steroids, or Personal Care Products in the Environment
Develop experiments designed to show plant uptake, persistence, or biological effect that will help better define the environmental fate and potential route of exposure from pharmaceuticals, steroids, or personal care products.Read more about this project
School of Biological Sciences and Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
The Role of the Microbial Community in Carbon and Nutrient Cycling
Projects will involve enrichment and isolation of indigenous microbiota capable of utilizing species various organic compounds under various stages of decomposition, experiments monitoring autotrophic oxidative dissolution of metal carbonates and CO2 incorporation into biomass, or experiments following change in microbial community structure and metabolism following viral infection.Read more about this project

REU in Applied Mathematics

Join our program and work with faculty and grad students on cutting-edge research problems in Applied Mathematics

Pending funding


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2013 Dates and Stipend

Start: June 3, 2013
End: July 26, 2013
Stipend: $4,000

Contact Info

Ms. Lori J. Mueller
Administrative Coordinator
402-472-4319
lmueller2@unl.edu
REU Website
 

Who Should Apply

Related majors and areas
  • Mathematics
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
For more information, refer to the eligibility page.

In this program, each project has unique prerequisites. See the Research and Mentors section for more details.

How to Apply

Steps and Required Items
To apply, follow these application steps to submit the following materials.

Application Timeline
  • Wed., Nov. 14, 2012 — Application opens
  • Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 — Priority deadline
  • Fri., Feb. 15, 2013 — Application deadline
  • Fri., Mar. 15, 2013 — Decisions complete
See more timeline information.

Events and Benefits

Program Events
  • Campus and department orientation
  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Canoe and camping trip
  • Research symposium
Benefits
  • Competitive stipend
  • Double-occupancy room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.


Research and Mentors

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The Nebraska REU in Applied Mathematics is administered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Mathematics and is funded by the National Science Foundation. The REU site was established in 2002.

Our program strives to give students as full of a research experience as possible, including background reading and exercises in their subject; the skills needed on how to define a good problem, how to solve the problem and (in many projects) give rigorous proofs; and the tools for writing mathematics and giving a talk or presenting a poster. We also offer research, educational and social activities that cultivate an environment which emphasizes interaction and collaboration.

Summer scholars meet with their mentors almost every weekday. At the conclusion of the 8-week program, students present their research. Often the summer projects result in presentations at a national conferences and research publications. We believe that the participants leave the Nebraska REU Site with an appreciation for the methods of mathematical discovery and have a meaningful and rigorous educational experience.

In 2013 our projects will include Fractional Calculus, mentored by Professor Al Peterson, and Stability of a Nonlinear Wave Equation, mentored by Professors George Avalos and Daniel Toundykov.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Mathematics has a national reputation for excellence in education and mentorship. The department recently received the 2009 AMS Award for Exemplary Program or Achievement in a Mathematics Department, in recognition of their research mentoring for undergraduates. 

2013 Mentors and Projects

Mathematics
Stability of a Nonlinear Wave Equation
Prerequisites: Introductory courses in differential equations and partial differential equations, and some programming skills.

This project is motivated by a certain class of partial differential equations (PDE's) known as wave equations. In one or two dimensions these can describe vibrations of a thin elastic string or a drumhead respectively. In 3D such equations model propagation of acoustic pressure waves. Intrinsically a PDE of this type is a mathematical formulation of Newton's second law for the corresponding physical system. The force terms present therein typically incorporate some frictional effects which dissipate the total energy of the system.Read more about this project
Mathematics
Fractional Calculus
Prerequisites: A calculus sequence and a one-semester course in Differential Equations.

Gottfried Leibniz and Guilliaume L'Hopital are believed to have first sparked curiosity into the idea of fractional calculus during a 1695 overseas correspondence on the possible meaning for a one-half derivative. By the late 19th century, combined efforts by several mathematicians — most notably Liouville, Grunwald, Letnikov and Riemann — led to a fairly solid understanding of fractional calculus in the continuous setting. Since then, the number of known applications for fractional calculus has grown greatly. There are applications of fractional derivatives in the fields of viscoelasticity, capacitor theory, electrical circuits, electroanalytical chemistry, neurology, diffusion, control theory and statistics. Significantly less is known, even today, about discrete fractional calculus. We will define the fractional derivative for the discrete case and develop a discrete fractional calculus.

SROP: Undergraduate Opportunities in Nanomaterials and Nanoscience

Experience tomorrow's technology today — nanodevices for space exploration and drug delivery, DNA chips, carbon nanotubes for hydrogen storage, nanomagnetic structures for faster computers and energy conversion


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2013 Dates and Stipend

Start: June 3, 2013
End: August 7, 2013
Stipend: $5,000

Contact Info

Ms. Terese Janovec
Education and Outreach Coordinator
402-472-2716
SROP Website
 

Who Should Apply

Related majors and areas
  • Chemistry
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Material Science and Engineering
  • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Physics
  • Other related fields
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
For more information, refer to the eligibility page.

Students applying to this program should also have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

How to Apply

Steps and Required Items
To apply, follow these application steps to submit the following materials.

Application Timeline
  • Wed., Nov. 14, 2012 — Application opens
  • Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 — Priority deadline
  • Fri., Feb. 15, 2013 — Application deadline
  • Fri., Mar. 15, 2013 — Decisions complete
See more timeline information.

Events and Benefits

Program Events
  • Campus and department orientation
  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Canoe and camping trip
  • Research symposium
Benefits
  • Competitive stipend
  • Double-occupancy room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.


Research and Mentors

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The Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience (NCMN) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln hosts 10 undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and engineering each summer.

Students work with faculty mentors and conduct cutting-edge research on materials related to nanoscience and nanotechnology, using advanced instrumentation for materials fabrication and characterization. This research can be applied to real-world challenges in energy, information technology, and biomedical devices. Individual projects are designed to be completed within the 10-week timeframe of the summer program.

The primary objective of our SROP is to support and develop summer scholars into independent researchers. As such, the format of the research activities is designed around the development of research skills, interaction with interdisciplinary research teams, and opportunities to present research findings.

2013 Mentors and Projects

Chemistry
New Nanoclusters for Catalysis
The student participating in this project will explore the basics in bio-based chemicals and heterogeneous catalysis. The student will learn and perform: 1) synthesis of ceria nanorods by the hydrothermal method and metal oxide cluster decoration using a self-reduction reaction; 2) structural characterization by electron microscopy and x-ray diffractometry; and 3) catalytic conversion reactions and yield evaluations using high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.Read more about this project
Physics & Astronomy
Molecular Ferroelectricity at the Nanoscale
We intend to probe the underlying cause of the unique switching properties of molecular ferroelectrics by studying the nanostructure, nonlinear dielectric properties, domain structures, and polarization dynamics.Read more about this project
Physics & Astronomy
Development of Low-Cost STM for Graphene Studies
We have developed in our lab an inexpensive STM capable of atomic resolution at room temperature and atmospheric pressures eliminating the need for an expensive cryostat and vacuum pumps — the Low-Cost Room-Temperature Atmospheric-Pressure STM. The STM has been built by the PI and his students, along with Mark Plano Clark, Professor at Doane College, and his students. The STM has the potential to reach many students and encourage them to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.Our goal for this new proposal period is to make use of this technology to perform research projects using this low-cost STM.Read more about this project
Mechanical Engineering
Making Flexible and Translucent Polymer Solar Cell for Windows
The student will go through the process of fabricating OSC with and without spacers. This activity is expected to impress on students the many advantages of organic solar cell technology, including their low-cost materials and fabrication process, flexibility, translucenceRead more about this project
Chemistry
Immobilization of Redox Proteins on Gold Nanoscaffolds for Enhanced Bioelectrocatalysis
The student in the Lai lab will participate in a research project which focuses on the design and fabrication of gold nanoscaffolds for immobilization of redox proteins such as myoglobin and cytochrome c.Read more about this project
Electrical Engineering
Biocompatible Surfaces from Three Dimensional Nanostructures
We propose undergraduate research in the field of nanostructure fabrication, surface modification and in situ thin film growth characterization using optical methods. The research efforts will be embedded into existing research programs with focus on fabrication of biocompatible surfaces for new optical sensor concepts. Students working in our lab will receive training in modern techniques of three dimensional nanostructure fabrication using glancing angle deposition (GLAD).Read more about this project
Electrical Engineering
Optical Hall-effect characterization of high mobility epitaxial grapheme
We propose to investigate the influence of the substrate properties onto the free charge carrier properties in epitaxial graphene. In particular, we are studying and understanding how the substrate surface polarity of non-polar substrate materials influence the free charge carrier properties in epitaxial graphene.Read more about this project
Mechanical Engineering
High-energy Nanocomposite Permanent Magnets
In this project, students will design new alloy compositions and use the combined processing to create highly homogeneous nanostructures with enhanced magnetic properties. The student will vary processing parameters such as alloy composition, wheel speed, and milling time, and study the materials using x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and magnetometry.Read more about this project
Engineering Mechanics
Exploring Mechanical Behavior of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Using Nanoindentation
Material design is one of the key frontiers in nanoscience research. Knowing the relationship between the material property and molecular structure can guide and sometimes facilitate the design. Our motivation in this summer project is to probe this relationship using crystals of well-defined structures.Read more about this project
Engineering Mechanics
Understanding Cell Function and Properties Through Nanoindentation Studies
Students in my laboratory will learn the fundamentals of scanning probe microscopes (SPM) including atomic force microscopes (AFM) and depth sensing indentation (DSI) instruments for nanoindentation. The students will also learn about relevant contact mechanics associated with these probes so that they are aware of assumptions used in the instrumentation for extraction of quantitative mechanical properties.Read more about this project

REU: Optics and Laser Physics

We work with light...
We work with matter...
Work with us!

Into the future with the speed of light.


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2013 Dates and Stipend:

Start: June 3, 2013
End: August 7, 2013
Stipend: $4,650

Contact Info:

Ms. Terese Janovec
Education and Outreach Coordinator
402-472-2716
tjanovec3@unl.edu
 

Who Should Apply

Related majors and areas
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
For more information, refer to the eligibility page.

This program explicitly invites students from groups that are underrepresented in physics to apply. These groups include women, Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans.

How to Apply

Steps and Required Items
To apply, follow these application steps to submit the following materials.

Application Timeline
  • Wed., Nov. 14, 2012 — Application opens
  • Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 — Priority deadline
  • Fri., Feb. 15, 2013 — Application deadline
  • Fri., Mar. 15, 2013 — Decisions complete
See more timeline information.

Events and Benefits

Program Events
  • Safety Colloquium
  • Field trips to the J.A. Woollam Company, Advanced Medical Imaging, and the NOAA-NEXRAD (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm. - Next-Generation Radar) station in Valley, NE
  • Campus and department orientation
  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Canoe and camping trip
  • Research symposium
Benefits
  • Competitive stipend
  • Double-occupancy room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.


Research and Mentors

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The NSF-sponsored REU in optics and laser physics intends to engage undergraduate students for a 10-week program in the experimental and theoretical techniques of modern laser physics. The use of optics and lasers in microscopy, surgery, atomic clocks, and cell manipulation illustrates that it is truly widespread through all scientific and technological sectors.

The REU site places 10-12 undergraduate students with a summer research experience in laser physics laboratories in UNL's Department of Physics and Astronomy. Mentors work closely with students and relate student research to industrial, governmental and scientific activities. In addition, students attend weekly faculty seminars and lunch meetings addressing issues which affect not only motivation and understanding, but also serve as an orientation to the job market. The REU site contributes to the professional development of top student researchers and scholars.

2013 Mentors and Projects

Condensed Matter Physics
Novel Interactions in Thin Film Magnetic Systems
Magnetization dynamics at the GHz scale is of interest both for the fundamental science involved as well as for applications in fast magnetic devices. Measurements of the rapidly changing magnetization will be made using the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE), in which the polarization of the incident light is altered depending on the magnetization state. Undergraduates will have opportunities in (i) nanofabrication - fabricate the SAW transducers and magnetic nano-arrays using lithography (ii) Fast electronics and signal processing -learn the rf electronics necessary for transducer excitation and fast MOKE signal detection. (iii) Optics-set-up, align, understand the MOKE measurements.
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Matter Optics and Attosecond Physics
We are currently collaborating with Dr. Nobel Laureate Zewail at CalTech and Dr. Uiterwaal at UNL to realize a "temporal lens." Project 1. To measure the duration of the delivered electron pulse we are testing the response speed of a plasmonic switch (this switch is provided by Federico Capasso from Harvard). Project 2. To investigate the response speed of the electron source we are aiming a laser pulse and its second harmonic at a field emission tip. Undergraduate projects for this project involve, measuring the optical and electron autocorrelation signal for Project 1 and controlling the timing of the laser pulse and its second harmonic by tripling the laser light and provide feedback to a delay line for Project 2.
Condensed Matter Physics
Magneto-optical Studies of Relativistic effects in Magnetic Heterostructures
Recently we demonstrated electric control of magnetism. More specifically, we showed that electric fields can induce a shift of the magnetic hysteresis loop of a ferromagnetic thin film along the magnetic field axis. Spintronic devices strive to exploit the spin degree of freedom of electrons for an advanced generation of electronics. Magnetoelectricity is fundamentally relativistic in nature. We use light-matter interaction via magneto-optical Kerr and Faraday effects to explore this fundamental magneto-electric property of dielectric materials. Students will be involved in setting up the magneto-optical component of the experiment and perform Kerr measurements.
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Changes in Electronic Structure Across Electronic Phase Transitions
The research in my group focuses on ultrafast molecular dynamics. We are currently using time-resolved electron diffraction to investigate structural changes due to photo-reactions in molecules on femtosecond time scales. Students in my group could work in several aspects of the experiment, for example computer modeling of the propagation of femtosecond electron pulses or modeling the interaction of laser fields with molecules. Experimentally, the student could work on designing and building a lens for the electron beam or an optical system for pulse shaping.
Charles Bessey Professor, Condensed Matter Physics
Changes in Electronic Structure across Electronic Phase Transitions
Surface dipole interactions have long been implicated as important in surface adsorption and surface catalysis. Working with undergraduates, we have been able to show that perturbations of local surface dipoles can affect desorption of an absorbate. By showing that the desorption of absorbed water is affected by the orientation of the electric vector potential of the incident UV incident light during the thermal desorption process, rather than simply the presence of UV illumination, dipole orientation is implicated OR band symmetry selection rules play a significant role. Undergraduate projects for this proposal involve dipole activation with a pulsed nitrogen gas laser. We will compare, linearly polarized light with the incident radiation parallel with the surface to a polarization of the incident radiation perpendicular to the surface.
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Polarized Electron Physics
Tim Gay's group studies fundamental atomic and molecular collision processes using polarized electrons and photons. Students are involved with various aspects in all of these studies. Current experiments in this group include searches for effects due to the chirality of various target molecules, studies of angular momentum partitioning in diatomic molecules, and the development of optical technology necessary to produce "turn-key" sources of polarized electrons based on alkali optical pumping with lasers. Undergraduates play an integral role in Tim Gay's research effort and participate at all levels in the group's activities. Several have been authors on group publications, sometimes as lead author, and have presented papers at national physics meetings.
Astronomy
Animation and Education in Astronomical Optics
Kevin Lee's group works on education projects. The NSF-funded Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project has created interactive astronomy simulations now used nationally in introductory astronomy classes. The simulations have intuitive user interfaces allowing the variation of parameters and attractive graphics demonstrating physical phenomena. Many undergraduate students contributed to the simulation programming, supporting educational materials, assessment testbanks, and documentation on all of these projects. Students with leanings toward education have the opportunity to become involved in several such projects and work with the UNL Astronomy Education Group. Example of the group's work can be found on the web at http://astro.unl.edu.
Brad Shadwick, Ph.D.
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
High-Field Laser Physics
Brad Shadwick's group studies the dynamics of electron beams in laser-driven plasma accelerators. Several experimental research groups world wide have demonstrated laser-driven GeV-class acceleration of high quality electron beams. Students would determine initial electron beam parameters leading to optimal acceleration and final beam quality (energy spread and divergence). This project serves both as a benchmark of the computational models and as a simplified picture of the physical processes at work. Parallel computing on a computer cluster and work on various visualization challenges are part of this project. A second, related, project is the "staging" of multiple accelerator modules. This is a critical aspect of any collider application.
Professor and Associate Dean Research, High Energy Physics
Cosmic Ray Observatory Project
Greg Snow and UNL's High Energy Physics group collaborate in the Pierre Auger Observatory, the world's largest cosmic ray experiment. Data collected in Argentina gave striking results on the origin of the highest energy cosmic ray particles. At the southern site, we are responsible for upgrading the 4 LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems which shoot laser beams into the atmosphere and detect back-scattered light to produce atmospheric density profiles. Students will have opportunities to design and construct optical components of the LIDAR systems, perform computer simulation studies to help optimize the designs, install and commission the systems, and participate in the analysis of data collected by the LIDAR systems for atmospheric monitoring.
George Holmes Professor, Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Theory of Intense Laser-Atom Interactions
Tony Starace's theoretical group investigates how energy is transferred from intense electromagnetic radiation to matter. Its goals are to obtain a quantum understanding of intense ('strong field') laser interactions with atoms. Motivations for this research are ultimately to discover means to control matter on an atomic scale. Students at the junior and senior level can become involved with simulations of laser-atom processes using simple model descriptions of atoms and packaged programs for solving the 3D, time-dependent Schrödinger equation. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the physics underlying the processes, especially the relevant quantum physics.
Kees Uiterwaal, Ph.D.
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Femtosecond Laser Ionization of Molecules; Optical Vortices
Kees Uiterwaal's Femtosecond Laser Lab is currently funded to investigate the ionization/fragmentation of molecules exposed to intense, ultrashort light pulses. We also investigate optical vortices: 'whirling bullets of light'. One of our achievements was the experimental creation of ultrashort optical vortices. Projects we offer to summer students are: intense-field ionization of aromatic molecules, optical wavefront analysis, quantum-chemical molecular modeling, and holographic shaping of laser pulses. Students will use state-of-the-art equipment: a femtosecond-pulsed Ti:sapphire and OPA laser system, a programmable hologram, a FROG pulse analyzer, a dedicated CCD camera system, and specialized optics. Students will also get hands-on experience with automization of setups and data acquisition (using LabVIEW).
Distinguished (Olson Chair) Professor Plasma Physics
Nonlinear Optics of High-Intensity Light in Relativistic Plasmas
The group of Dr. Umstadter conducts experiments in the state-of-the-art Extreme Light Laboratory, in which the ultra-high-peak-power DIOCLES Laser yields record light intensities. Applications range from the active interrogation of special nuclear materials for homeland security to the development of X-ray beams capable of making movies with atomic scale spatial and temporal resolution. Students in the Extreme Light Laboratory work on projects on the development and applications of advanced laser-based charged particle accelerators and X-ray sources. Undergraduate students are typically involved with the design of optical and spectroscopic systems, detector calibration, the integration of devices with data acquisition systems, and the development of software to remotely control and optimize laboratory instrumentation.

REU: Training in Redox Biology

Join our program and work with faculty who impact fundamental issues of redox biology: aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease and other major illnesses!


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2013 Dates and Stipend

Start: June 3, 2013
End: August 7, 2013
Stipend: $5,000

Contact Info

Ms. Hannah Kahler
Administrative Coordinator
402-472-3173
redox@unl.edu
REU Website
 

Who Should Apply

Related majors and areas
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Microbiology
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Other related fields
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
For more information, refer to the eligibility page.

How to Apply

Steps and Required Items
To apply, follow these application steps to submit the following materials.

Application Timeline
  • Wed., Nov. 14, 2012 — Application opens
  • Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 — Priority deadline
  • Fri., Feb. 15, 2013 — Application deadline
  • Fri., Mar. 15, 2013 — Decisions complete
See more timeline information.

Events and Benefits

Program Events
  • Campus and department orientation
  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Canoe and camping trip
  • Research symposium
Benefits
  • Competitive stipend
  • Double-occupancy room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.


Research and Mentors

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The Redox Biology Center Summer REU Training Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was established in 2006 by the National Science Foundation to carry out independent research projects in redox biochemistry. Research areas range from molecular medicine to environmental biochemistry and plant biochemistry.

REU students participate in exciting projects at the cutting edge of research in redox biology. They formulate and test hypotheses, develop experimental problem-solving skills, and receive training in biochemical, biophysical and molecular biology techniques. Students are also exposed to a variety of instrumentation such as HPLC and FPLC systems, EPR spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and microscopy which are located in the interdisciplinary Beadle Center.

Individual projects are designed to be completed within the ten-week time frame of the summer program. The projects generally fit into the larger context of the faculty advisor's research program.

Students are placed with a faculty mentor in whose lab the student's research project will be pursued and students are expected to participate fully in the life of the mentor's lab. There are informal meetings for all program participants which facilitate the exchange of information on the research being conducted. There are also weekly meetings in which various scientists describe the latest advances in their own research or career opportunities in biomedical or biotechnology fields. These events provide an opportunity to discuss areas of biochemistry/redox biology that are of particular interest and excitement.

The ten-week summer program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense.

2013 Mentors and Projects

Biochemistry
Proteomics and metabolomics approaches to identify specific molecular pathways of cellular response to various forms of stress.
Plant Pathology
Pathogenic strategies employed by bacteria to cause plant diseases focusing on the type III protein secretion system and the bacterial virulence proteins it injects into host cells.
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Redox homeostasis and metabolic analysis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis latency.
Biochemistry
Glutathione is the major cellular antioxidant and affords protection against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Disruption of glutathione homeostasis has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Our lab studies how glutathione is synthesized and degraded at the molecular, cellular, and organismal level.
Biochemistry
Redox regulatory mechanisms, protein structure-function relationships and proline metabolism.
Biochemistry
Biological methane production, redox biochemistry, microbial physiology.
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Oxidative stress and neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative diseases.
Chemistry
Biochemistry, chemistry and biosynthesis of antibiotics and mycotoxins.
Biochemistry
Redox biology, bioinformatics, transcription regulation and molecular diagnostic systems.
Biochemistry
Mitochondrial Homeostasis: Biogenesis of Redox-Active Compounds and Mechanisms of Quality Control and Protection.
Biochemistry
Mechanisms of metal-ion metabolism, copper transporters and oxidative stress response.
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Biochemical mechanisms of ocular degenerative diseases and aging, and redox regulation and metabolism in the eye lens and other tissues.
Chemistry
Develop NMR and bioinformatic methodologies to explore the structure, function, and evolution of proteins to aid in the discovery of new drugs.
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of human autoimmune diseases.
Biochemistry
Prostate cancer, early regulation of tumor formation and extracellular control of gene expression.
Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Elucidation of mechanisms by which Staphylococcus aureus controls virulence factor production in response to nutrient limitation.
Julie M. Stone, Ph.D.
Biochemistry
Molecular mechanisms and regulation of programmed cell death (PCD) in plants, the role of PCD in plant development and response to pathogens and signal transduction.
Biochemistry
Structural biology of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases.

SROP: Undergraduate Summer Research Experience in Virology

Join faculty finding solutions to diseases of epidemic proportions including HIV/AIDS, Herpesvirus, Human Papilloma Virus, and Chlorellavirus Biology.


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2013 Dates and Stipend

Start: June 3, 2013
End: August 7, 2013
Stipend: $4,000

Contact Info

Ms. Pamela Snyder 
Training Coordinator
402-472-6209
psnyder2@unl.edu
SROP Website
 

Who Should Apply

Related majors and areas
  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
Eligibility
Participation in the Nebraska Summer Research Program is limited to students who meet the following criteria:
  • U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Current undergraduate with at least one semester of coursework remaining before obtaining a bachelor's degree
For more information, refer to the eligibility page.

This program gives preference to and encourages applications from students whose primary interest is exploring a career in biomedical research.

How to Apply

Steps and Required Items
To apply, follow these application steps to submit the following materials.

Application Timeline
  • Wed., Nov. 14, 2012 — Application opens
  • Fri., Feb. 1, 2013 — Priority deadline
  • Fri., Feb. 15, 2013 — Application deadline
  • Fri., Mar. 1, 2013 — Decisions complete
See more timeline information.

Events and Benefits

Program Events
  • Weekly mentor/mentee lunches
  • Campus and department orientation
  • Department seminars and presentations
  • Professional development workshops (e.g., applying to graduate school, taking the GRE)
  • Welcome picnic
  • Day trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Canoe and camping trip
  • Research symposium
Benefits
  • Competitive stipend
  • Double-occupancy room and meal plan
  • Travel expenses to and from Lincoln
  • Campus parking and/or bus pass
  • Full access to the Campus Recreation Center and campus library system
  • Wireless internet access
Learn more about academic and financial benefits.


Research and Mentors

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The Nebraska Center for Virology research topics are challenging and meritorious exploring problems of epidemic proportions facing mankind including AIDS and HIV replication and pathogenesis, herpesvirus latency and cancer, human papilloma virus and cancers, and chlorellavirus biology. Our goals include designing novel vaccines and therapeutic strategies to block disease.

During the summer program, students work with our faculty alongside current graduate students and postdoctoral research associates in their labs where cutting-edge techniques and the latest instrumentation are used. Students have the opportunity to design and implement a tailor-made research project according to their interests. Students are also exposed to the research of others and have the opportunity to attend weekly lab meetings and seminars where new ideas are exchanged and explored.

This ten-week summer research experience is culminated in a research fair that will provide an opportunity for you to prepare and present a poster showcasing your research project findings and progress.

In addition, after receiving a bachelor's degree, students are encouraged to apply for graduate school fellowships through our federally funded National Institutes of Health Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award. This is a prestigious program offered at the Nebraska Center for Virology that selects and prepares individuals with exceptional potential and academic credentials for careers that will have a significant impact on the nation's biomedical research agenda.

2013 Mentors and Projects

Biological Sciences
Replication and encapsidation of human papillomaviruses
Biological Sciences
Innate immune response to influenza infections; generation and regulation of cytolytic CD 4 T cells.
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Latency-reactivation cycle of alpha-herpes viruses, innate immune response, and viral transcription
Biological Sciences
Investigation of HIV-1 mucosal transmission and its prevention using rhesus macaque, humanized mouse and HIV patients.
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Swine virology: studies on viral pathogenesis, immunology and vaccinology which are centered on the pig. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Replication and assembly of RNA viruses
Plant Pathology
The isolation and characterization of large dsDNA (encode >300 proteins) viruses that infect chlorella-like green algae
Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
Intrinsic intracellular immune defenses against viral DNA
Biological Sciences
HIV and Kaposi's sarcoma herpes virus transmission and molecular biology
Veterinary & Biomedical Services
Engineering commensal bacteria for therapeutic application research
Biological Sciences
The herpesvirus-host interactions, the biology of the family of interferon regulatory factors, and the treatments for herpesvirus-triggered cancers