Skip Navigation

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Nebraska Center for Virology

The Strength of Cooperation Among Three Institutions

2008 Undergraduate Summer Research
Experience in Virology (USREV)

Apply Online | What They are Saying
2007 USREV | 2006 USREV | 2005 USREV | 2004 USREV | 2003 USREV

USREV 2008 Group Photo

Picture caption:  August 2008 USREV Student Recognition Picnic.  Left to Right.  Front row:   Abelardo Vernaza, Maddelina Allegretta, Alexandra DeLaRosaHernandez, Katherine Lamb.  Second row:  Dr. James Van Etten, Dr. Charles Wood, Graduate  Student Mentor Hui-Ju Wen, BRIN student, Scott Dudis, Dr. Fernando Osorio, Dr. Luwen Zhang.   Back row:  Dr. Clinton Jones and Postdoc Mentor Dr. Dustin Petrik. 

The students in the 2008 USREV program were the first to conduct research in brand new state-of- the-art labs in the Ken Morrison Life Sciences Research Center on the UNL East Campus, the new home of the Nebraska Center for Virology as of April of 2008.  This year, our program attracted students from as far away as Puerto Rico.  The ten-week-long research training is open to all interested students who attend colleges outside of Nebraska and are of current sophomore or junior standing and are interested in a career in virology research.  Students receive a stipend of $4,000, dormitory lodging and meals, round-trip air fare, and more.  Our students this year included:  Maddelina Allegretta, Seton Hall, New Jersey; R. Scott Dudis, Ohio State; Alexandra DeLaRosaHernandez, Universidad Metropolitana, Puerto Rico; Katherine Lamb, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh; and Abelardo Vernaza, Barry University, Miramar, FL.  For more information and to apply follow the “Apply Online” link above.  If you have additional question, contact Jolene Walker at virologycenter@unl.edu or phone 402.472.4560.
2007 USREV
2007		 2006 USREV
2006		 2005 USREV
2005
2004 USREV
2004		 2003 USREV
2003		  

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

  • Program dates:  June 1 - August 7, 2009
  • $4,000 living allowance plus a $1,500 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
  • Paid lodging and meals to attend the INBRE/BRIN two-day Annual Meeting at Grand Island, NE
  • Priority application due date: February 16, 2009
  • Complete application is due by 5:00 P.M. on March 2, 2009

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 Jolene Walker at 402.472.4560 or virology@unl.edu.