Resources

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Undergraduate Resources

Biotechnology Scholars Program

In 2006, the Departments of Biology and Chemistry were awarded a $1.5M Howard Hughes Grant for a new undergraduate program entitled “Biotechnology and Society.” Part of this large program is the undergraduate “Biotechnology Scholars Program.” The goals of this program are to produce graduates with:

a solid understanding of the theoretical foundation underlying biotechnology
experience in applying biotechnology to questions of biological and chemical importance in a laboratory setting
an appreciation for the medical, agricultural, ethical and legal impacts of biotechnology on today's society

Program Description: The Biotechnology Scholars Program is designed to provide interested and qualified undergraduates an opportunity for a long-term research experience. All Biotech Scholars are assigned to a research laboratory and paired with a graduate student mentor. Biotech Scholars also participate in public education in biotechnology. In addition, students are encouraged to take a set of courses that are focused on one or more aspects of biotechnology. This rigorous program is designed to prepare students for graduate work.

Expectation of Scholars:

Scholars are expected to spend 10 hours a week on average in the laboratory
Scholars are expected to attend all meetings of the Biotech Scholars Program
Scholars are expected to present their research at the Biology Dept Poster Day (Feb.) and the GSU Undergraduate Symposium (March).
Scholars are expected to participate in at least 10 hours of public education (Bio-Bus, Neuroscience Expo, Family Science Nights, etc.) per semester (5 hours in the summer).
Biotech scholars are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.0.
Biotech scholars are paid a $2000 stipend per semester.

Mentoring: Biotechnology Scholars are paired with graduate students who are available for research advisement, tutoring, academic assistance and general counseling. If you are grad student in a lab and are interested in becoming a mentor, click here.

A graduate degree: Biotechnology Scholars can use their upper division coursework and research experience toward the pursuit of a M.S. degree at GSU. In this way, they can obtain both a B.S. and an M.S. degree in five years.

How do I apply to become a Biotechnology Scholar? Fill out the Biotechnology Scholar application (PDF). The application can be obtained from Kathy Rockwell (402 Kell Hall), or downloaded from the Forms section of the Undergraduate Web Site.

How many funded Biotechnology Scholar positions are available?
Fifteen 2-semester positions were offered during the 2006-2007 academic year and have increased to 20 positions for subsequent years. Support for summer research is also available.

Who is eligible to become a Biotechnology Scholar?
All degree-seeking undergraduates majoring in biology or chemistry are eligible to apply. Priority for research funding will be given to students who have completed at least one year of their undergraduate program. Priority is also given to applicants who wish to pursue careers in research and/or biotechnology.

When are applications due?
Applications are accepted any time but new scholars are accepted only at the beginning of a new semester.

What if I just want to find out more about biotechnology?
There are several new course offerings available for students interested in biotechnology, including the following:

Biol 2430 (2 hrs). Biotechnology Sophomore Learning Connection. Sophomore Learning Connections (SLC) courses are designed for second-year students who wish to learn more about a certain field. This course is designed to build a sense of community among undergraduates, graduate students and faculty with an interest in biotechnology and the role of the biotechnologist in today's society. Course credit for Biol 2430 can be applied toward Area F. The SLC course will be offered in the Spring semester of 2007.
Biol 4905 (2 hrs). Theme-based Laboratories. Theme-based laboratories represent a transition between formally structured laboratory courses (e.g., Biol 3810) and independent research projects. Students work in groups of 2-4 under the direction of a graduate or post-doctoral instructor. Two theme-based laboratories are scheduled to be offered this Fall semester (2006): 1) Exploring the Science behind Medicinal Folklore; and 2) Drug-resistant Bacteria in the Environment.
Biol 4915 (2 hrs). Collaborative Internships in Biology . Students have the opportunity to get instructional experience in biotechnology and related fields through service on GSU's Bio-Bus, a mobile instructional laboratory that travels to K-12 schools and presents exciting science activities to Georgia 's school children. Successful interns may be eligible for funding to support their continued participation in the Bio-Bus program.

Who can I contact for more information?
For general information and advice, contact:
Kathy Rockwell
Room 402 Kell Hall
(404) 413-5305
biokxr@langate.gsu.edu

If you would like additional information, or if Kathy is unavailable, feel free to contact any of the following:
Barbara Baumstark, Ph.D.
Director, HHMI Project
Room 402 Kell Hall
404-413-5304
biobrb@langate.gsu.edu