The DeBakey Institute Summer Research Program provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in a 10-week summer research experience sponsored by both NSF and NIH. It promotes development of interdisciplinary student research teams that investigate novel scientific questions concerning microvascular physiology and bioengineering. The DeBakey Institute is home to the only colony of bats in the world dedicated to microvascular research. The research teams will examine the intact microvascular network in the batwing using an experimental approach that is minimally invasive and non-destructive. The bats, handled by trained laboratory technicians, have been trained to sleep with their wing extended beneath a microscope allowing manipulation and measurement of the microvasculature.

Our laboratory utilizes the computational approaches offered by engineers (including quantitative analysis and mathematical modeling) as well as the experimental approaches offered by life scientists (including functional characterization and mechanistic determination) in an attempt to explain the behavior of microvascular networks.

Program participants will have the opportunity to continue their research projects at their home schools remotely using our unique internet-based tools. Select Students will have the opportunity to return a second summer. We therefore request that students identify a faculty member at your home school who will be willing to offer guidance during the school year. Select students will be asked to return a second summer.

• 6 Graduate Students in Life Science or Engineering
• 28 Undergraduate Students in Life Science or Engineering

This program is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are currently enrolled undergraduates (graduating seniors are not eligible) or are currently enrolled first/second year graduate students. We have positions for

Review of applications begins March 25, 2007 and will continue until all positions are filled.

Program dates: May 29 - August 3, 2007. If your school schedule conflicts with these dates, please let us know and we will accommodate your schedule as best we can.

Funding Information:

• Stipends and funds for meals:
  
• Undergraduate students will receive $5,000
• Graduate students will receive $7,400
• Travel costs for each student to and from the Texas A&M University campus will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $500.
• Costs for housing on campus is included.
• Tuition and fees including parking will be covered to enroll the students at Texas A&M University. Enrollment will provide access to the student health center, campus libraries and computer services.

Funding Sources:

NSF BBSI: Bioengineering and Bioinformatics Summer Institute

The purpose of this program is to provide undergraduate and early-stage graduate students majoring in the biological sciences, computer sciences, engineering, mathematics, and physical sciences with well-planned, interdisciplinary bioengineering or bioinformatics research and education experiences in active 'Summer Institutes', thereby increasing the number of individuals pursuing careers in bioengineering and bioinformatics at the graduate level and beyond.

NIH R25: Training Program to Increase Diversity in Health-Related Research

Although the number of individuals from diverse backgrounds (such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans) pursuing advanced degrees in the biomedical and behavioral sciences increased over the past 25 years, the representation in these fields remains disproportionately low. This program is intended to: (1) provide opportunities for undergraduate and health professional students from diverse backgrounds (e.g., disadvantaged backgrounds and racial and ethnic minorities) and individuals with disabilities to participate in activities leading to research careers in areas relevant to cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders, and (2) increase the short supply of qualified investigators from diverse backgrounds (e.g., disadvantaged backgrounds and racial and ethnic minorities) and individuals with disabilities.

NSF REU: Research Experiences for Undergraduates

The REU program seeks to expand student participation in all kinds of research--whether disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or educational in focus--encompassing efforts by individual investigators, groups, centers, national facilities, and others. The REU program is a major contributor to the NSF goal of developing a diverse, internationally competitive, and globally-engaged science and engineering workforce. It draws on the integration of research and education to attract a diversified pool of talented students into careers in science and engineering, including teaching and education research related to science and engineering, and to help ensure that these students receive the best education possible.
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