The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is proud to announce that Drs. David Weiss and Regina McGrane have been awarded a three-year U.S. National Science Foundation grant in support of the program titled, REU Site: Microbiology at the host-pathogen interface. This program provides a substantive research experience for undergraduate students that can generate fundamental new insights into the biology of host-pathogen interactions.
Program Overview:
The Department of Microbiology & Immunology at The University of Iowa will offer an REU Site during the summers of 2027-2029. Ten undergraduates will be selected each year for a 10-week research experience exploring the biology of host-pathogen interactions. The objective of the program is to encourage students to pursue a career in basic science and give them skills to succeed in that path. Participants will carry out independent research projects under the supervision of faculty mentors. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will provide additional mentoring. An emphasis is placed on engaging students in hypothesis formulation and the design and interpretation of experiments. Participants will be instructed in communicating their research in short talks, a written report, a mock interview, and a poster session. Participants will also attend workshops and seminars to broaden their understanding of microbiology, graduate school, career options, and responsible conduct of research. Participants will receive a stipend, free housing, paid travel, and allowances for meals. The program is open to undergraduates who are (1) majoring in a biological science, (2) interested in scientific research, and (3) U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Consideration is given to circumstances that make it difficult for applicants to obtain a similar research experience at their home institution. Applications are submitted online and include a form, personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and college transcripts. Students are selected based on their course work completed, academic performance, recommendations, fit for our program, career goals and lack of opportunities for research at their home institution.
The program contributes to development of our nation’s STEM workforce by encouraging bright students who have an interest in science to pursue a research career. Through a stimulating basic research experience, it enhances their competitiveness for both admission to research graduate programs and for entering the STEM job market. Many of these students come from small colleges with few opportunities for microbiology research. Exit interviews and self-assessment survey instruments reveal our REU increases enthusiasm and competencies for pursuing science. Over half of our participants ultimately matriculate in a PhD program in the biological sciences, while most of the rest pursue other science-related careers.