91ÌÒÉ«

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

in Biomedical Sciences

Funded by the Nevada IDeA (Institutional Development Award) Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (NV INBRE), the summer research program at 91ÌÒÉ« College has been in place since 2013. It offers STEM undergraduate students, who are considering careers in biomedical sciences, an immersive, mentored, and hands-on research experience. Through this program, students deepen their understanding and expertise in their chosen fields.

The mission of the NV INBRE Summer Research Program is to foster faculty-mentored research as a fundamental component of undergraduate education. It provides students, particularly those from first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds, with a multitude of benefits, offering a wide range of opportunities to thrive in STEM career paths. Through this program, students acquire essential skills in critical analysis, problem-solving, communication, and the application of research methods.

In addition to its core objectives, the program offers travel support to students, enabling them to attend a 5-day GradFit workshop held at UNR in Reno. This workshop provides valuable insights into graduate school expectations and equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the graduate school application process successfully.

The NV INBRE program also supports several other student-focused initiatives at 91ÌÒÉ«, including collaboration with 91ÌÒÉ« Career Services to organize the Grad Expo. This event provides a platform for students to interact with representatives from various graduate schools and potential employers, creating valuable networking opportunities to further their educational and career goals. Additionally, the program has facilitated the establishment of the McNair Program and continues to collaborate with its coordinators to ensure students receive ongoing guidance as they navigate their educational journeys.

Furthermore, the program has established a campus-wide undergraduate research and creative works conference, allowing all students to showcase their research while fostering collaboration and networking among peers. Overall, NV INBRE at 91ÌÒÉ« has cultivated a vibrant research culture and continues to strengthen it for both students and faculty.

Program Period and Features

INBRE Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (iSURF)

The iSURF program offers students hands-on research experience across diverse fields, including protein chemistry, microbial communities, data science, cognitive neuroscience, antibiotic resistance, electrochemistry, and environmental health. Guided by faculty mentors, students apply techniques such as molecular biology, machine learning, and fieldwork to explore real-world scientific questions.

Research Areas in the iSURF Program

The  iSURF program features diverse research areas, including protein chemistry, microbial communities, data science, cognitive neuroscience, antibiotic resistance, electrochemistry, and environmental health. Faculty mentors engage students in hands-on projects, employing various techniques such as molecular biology, machine learning, and fieldwork to explore pressing scientific questions. Click HERE to learn more about faculty research areas.

Hands-On Training & Professional Development
Students gain essential skills in laboratory safety, research techniques, and scientific equipment use. Weekly workshops further enhance professional growth, covering topics such as:

• Laboratory safety, techniques, and maintaining lab notebooks

• Responsible conduct of research and ethics

• Interpreting and presenting data, science posters, and journal club discussions

• CV/resume preparation, finding journal articles, and graduate school guidance

Program Period & Requirements
The iSURF program is an intensive, full-time summer research experience, running 9 weeks, with students committing 40 hours per week under faculty mentorship. Participants are required to attend orientation, seminars, and workshops, and present their research at a poster symposium. Due to the immersive nature of the program, students may not take summer coursework or hold employment during the program period.

iSURF-Flex Option (when offered)
Students who have completed BIOL 398L in the previous spring semester may participate in the iSURF-Flex program, which offers flexible research hours arranged with their mentors. All iSURF-Flex students follow the same program requirements and adhere to the mentor-mentee agreement.

Research Symposiums & Conferences
Students present their work at the NSU STEM Research Symposium, the NSU Undergraduate Research Creative Works (URCW) conference, and may also have opportunities to showcase at national conferences.

Community & Social Activities
iSURF fosters camaraderie and celebrates cultural diversity through cohort-building activities such as field trips, board and video games, scavenger hunts, and potluck events.

Selection Process for iSURF

NSU selects iSURF applicants based on eligibility, essays, and research interests, then matches students with faculty mentors.

To be eligible for the INBRE program, 91ÌÒÉ« undergraduates must be U.S. citizens (or have an EAD) in their first STEM degree. Applicants must be continuing students with limited prior research. Apply online with a personal statement.

For full details on eligibility, application process, and faculty research areas, click HERE

Compensation
Students are hired as summer student researchers and earn up to $6,000 for the 9 week program. Compensation for other NV INBRE programs, including UNR UROP may vary is determined by the respective institution. Students should consult a financial aid advisor to understand potential impacts on taxes or financial aid.

Summer Research Timeline

• October: Applications open

• December: Application deadline

• September–October (following year): STEM Poster Symposium

To be eligible for the INBRE program, 91ÌÒÉ« undergraduates must be U.S. citizens (or have an EAD) in their first STEM degree. Applicants must be continuing students with limited prior research. Apply online with a personal statement.

For full details on eligibility, application process, and faculty research areas, click HERE