The “MICRO-CCS: Microbial Interactions Create Research Opportunities for Community College Students” program provides research opportunities, scientific training, and mentoring for community college students interested in research about microbial interactions in food, agricultural, and environmental sciences. The program is a collaborative project between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Parkland Community College. This 10-week research immersion program includes a Research Orientation Bootcamp at the start of the experience, professional development activities tailored towards community college students, and flexibility in housing accommodations. At the end of the program, participants will be more aware of potential opportunities for future academic research that could lead to possible STEM careers. For more information or questions, please contact Dr. Sarah Hind (srhind@illinois.edu) or Dr. Chelsea Lloyd (clloyd@parkland.edu). We recommend that you check out the program website (https://publish.illinois.edu/micro-ccs/how-to-apply/) for information and tips on writing a personal statement and for requesting letters of recommendation.
Microbiology; Food Sciences; Agricultural Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Animal Sciences; Molecular Biology; Cellular Biology
Students must be: 1) a current community college student; 2) a US citizen or permanent resident; 3) at least 18 years old by the start of the program on May 27, 2026; 4) be able to commit ~40 hours per week during the entire 10-week program; and 5) have successfully completed General Biology or Microbiology and Chemistry courses (recommended but not required).
