REU in Structural and Computational Biology & Biophysics (#REU-in-SCBB)
Purdue University·West Lafayette, in·2026 cycle
Closed for cycleComputational/Data ScienceBioinformatics/Computational Biology✓ verified
#REU-in-SCBB The power of structural biology techniques and biophysical methods used to characterize the structure and function of biomolecules is unparalleled in the scientific community. Textbooks and journal articles are filled with images of the 3D structures of molecules ranging in size from ATP to DNA to proteins to viruses. Yet, while structure determination methods such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM have become common methods for those seeking advanced degrees and training in the life sciences, such as graduate programs and postdoctoral fellowships, it is rare to find undergraduates with significant knowledge or training in any of the structural biology methods including X-ray crystallography, high-resolution cryo-EM, NMR spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, micro-electron diffraction or computational biology. This 10-week summer undergraduate research program will bridge this education gap by establishing a framework that integrates research projects aimed at studying the structure and function of macromolecules with in-depth workshops designed to provide theoretical and practical training in contemporary structural biology techniques and biophysical methods. The goal is that each trainee will leave the program with a solid foundation and understanding of the various structural biology methods regardless of the expertise within their host lab. Included in the REU program: Weekly team-building and networking activities (parks, movies, museums, etc) Weekly Saturday workshops in SCBB methods (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, NMR, etc) Weekly career and professional workshops (grad school applications, resumes, PyMOL, DEI, academia/industry career panels, etc) Program Support: Weekly stipend+meal allowance ($900/week). FREE housing provided (large single room). Travel allowance to/from Purdue ($700). Up to $1000 towards travel support to attend a local/national conference (from faculty host lab).
structural biology, biochemistry, biology, biological sciences, protein structure, electron microscopy, cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, viruses, infectious diseases, membrane proteins, micro-ED, computational biology, molecular dynamics, microscopy, DNA, structure determination, NMR spectroscopy, small angle X-ray scattering, drug discovery, life sciences, biophysics, protein expression, protein purification, protein characterization, molecular modeling, protein folding, protein function, signaling, kinases, phosphatases, DNA binding proteins, atomic force microscopy, synchrotron, covid, coronavirus, Zika, GPCR, tomography, enzymes, microbial pathogenesis, cell signaling, cell motility, RNA, amyloid, protein degradation, CRISPR, cancer
Eligible students are expected to be able to demonstrate an interest in research within the life sciences, particularly in structural and computational biology and biophysics, with preferred prerequisites in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and mathematics; although not required. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States and must be enrolled in a degree-granting program at a U.S. college or university and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, the applicants must have at least one semester of undergraduate study remaining after completing the summer program and fulfill the NSF citizenship requirements. Students who have received their bachelor's degree and no longer enrolled in an undergraduate study program are generally not eligible. Each application will be assessed on an individual basis which will also include previous research experience and letters of recommendation from faculty or instructors.
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