Undergraduate Summer Research Experience in Virology (USREV)

Overview

The Nebraska Center for Virology (NCV) faculty research topics that 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.

Each year, NCV invites applications for our Undergraduate Summer Research Experience in Virology (USREV) program from students enrolled at institutions in Nebraska as well as other states, who are interested in exploring the many exciting and rewarding options for careers as scientists in biomedical research that exist through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate programs while working with our experienced research faculty along side current graduate students and postdoctoral research associates in their labs. 

As a selected student, you will design and implement a tailor-made research project according to your interests.  You will then determine and conduct exciting and challenging experiments to test hypotheses under the guidance and mentoring of our expert faculty.  As you are being trained in biomedical research, you will have the opportunity to explore cutting edge techniques and gain knowledge of the latest instrumentation by utilizing the equipment in our labs and the core facilities that provide support to our entire NCV faculty.

You will also be exposed to the research of others and have the opportunity to attend weekly lab meetings and seminars with other students and scientists where new ideas are exchanged and explored.  Through the summer program, NCV and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Graduate Studies offer many additional rewarding, enjoyable opportunities for our students including social and recreational activities, musical and cultural events on campus and in the community, as well as self-help seminars that will prepare you in all aspects of graduate school life and beyond including resume writing, test taking, social skills, grant writing and more.

This ten-week-long 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 BS degree, our students have the opportunity to apply for graduate school fellowships through a nationally competitive, 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 through our federally funded National Institutes of Health Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award.

Program Requirements

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Have a minimum of one academic year of undergraduate coursework remaining after the conclusion of the Summer Research Program
  • Be interested in pursuing a graduate degree

Program Information

(Applications accepted beginning November 16)

  • Program dates:  June 6 - August 10
  • $4,500 living allowance plus a UNL ten-week dormitory lodging and meal package
  • Roundtrip travel expenses (mileage or airfare)
  • Paid Student Health Center fee
  • Campus Recreation membership
  • Campus parking is provided
  • Priority application due date: February 15
  • Complete application is due by 5:00 PM on March 1

Application Process

To be considered you MUST apply online through UNL Graduate Studies website at:  http://www.unl.edu/summerprogram.   When you apply you will need to submit :

  1. Valid email addreses for two faculty members who agree to write a letter of recommendation for you.
  2. Your personal statement of interest in our program.
  3. An electronic (scanned) version of your transcript.

For additional information regarding the application process and program requirements see the Graduate Studies website linked above.  If additional assistance is requested, contact Peter Angeletti 402.472.4570 or  pangeletti2@unl.edu.

USREV Students