Summer Science Research Program
Program Purpose
The Goucher Summer Science Research Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on research projects. The program is designed for students who have taken relevant course(s) that pertain to faculty research, and wish to learn more about the graduate or professional school experience and pursue a research career in science.
Research Opportunities
Summer research opportunities are available in a variety of topics in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, engineering science and environmental science), data and computer science, neurobiology, and psychology. Each student will be working with a faculty mentor with special expertise in which the student is interested. Students will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.
The program fosters:
- hands-on experience in applying concepts learned in the classroom to a research project
- research skills and writing
- strategies for enhancing success in applying to graduate or professional schools or positions in industry
- opportunities for informal discussion with other students and faculty
- academic and professional career opportunities
- social activities (e.g., bocce tournament, ice cream social)
For further details about specific research opportunities, please refer to the research interests of individual faculty members by reading about them on the departmental websites and/or by contacting professors directly.
Acceptance into a summer research position will depend on the student's qualifications (GPA, course background and other familiarity with the research area), availability (dates compatible with faculty member's summer schedule), and funding. It is the prerogative of individual faculty members to set their own criteria appropriate to their research areas (e.g., some faculty may require more background coursework than others, or may prefer or require a commitment to continued research during the academic year or ensuing semesters).
The research experience is supplemented by student-faculty research talks and a formal conference presentation. Typically, one student research presentation is in mid-June and will serve to informally introduce students' research projects to fellow students and faculty over pizza. Students give a second presentation about their research, in either oral or poster form, at the end of the program in late July, when their work is nearly concluded,. This event helps to prepare students for their upcoming formal presentation, and is often attended by visitors such as Goucher’s Provost, President, or alumnae/i.
Near the end of the research term, all students will have the valuable experience of presenting their work formally, at the annual Landmark Conference Summer Research Symposium, to an audience of science students and faculty from other colleges in the Landmark Conference. The Symposium rotates among colleges in Maryland and Pennsylvania, including Goucher. Attending the Symposium as a group is an exciting opportunity for our summer students and is generally a peak experience for participants.
Some student-faculty teams have also presented their work during the summer or later in the year at large professional conferences, such as the National Conference of Undergraduate Research, meetings of the American Physical Society, the American Society for Microbiology, and the Mathematical Association of America’s National Summer Conference.
Stipends, Travel, & Housing
Funding from government and private research foundations as well as generous donations from Goucher alumnae/i supports students during the session. Participating students will receive a stipend of approximately $500/week to cover living costs, and the program also supports some research-related expenses. On-campus housing is available during the session; housing fees will be announced each Spring.
Program Dates
The Goucher Summer Science Research entails 6-8 weeks of full-time research. Though dates are flexible in consultation with the faculty member, the program typically runs from early June to late July. Students are encouraged to participate for the full weeks of the program.
Other Research Opportunities
Review the list of summer research opportunities for a more comprehensive overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to this program?
Early in the Spring semester, science students will receive a call for applications that will list the faculty members participating in research during the upcoming summer, along with a short description of their research interests and projects. You can also learn about the research interests of individual faculty members through their departmental websites. Students apply directly to individual professors once the call for applications has been issued. Acceptance into the program is at the discretion of the faculty member, and can depend on the student’s qualifications (GPA, course background and other familiarity with the research area), student availability during the summer, and program funding.
I don't have any research experience. Am I eligible?
Yes! Although rising juniors and seniors are given preference, students may start doing research as early as the summer after freshman year. Competitive candidates have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in science coursework taken at Goucher. Likewise, evidence of coursework pertinent to the research topic is important.
I'll be graduating from Goucher in May. Am I eligible?
In order to be eligible, students must still be undergraduates during the summer in which they participate in the program. Therefore, if you will have received a undergraduate degree by the summer, you would ordinarily not be eligible for Goucher Summer Science Program. A number of other programs are listed in the Other Research Opportunities.
How much time do students spend doing research?
The Goucher Summer Science Program is a full-time program, and students function more like research scientists, rather than hourly employees. In order for a student to accomplish his or her goals, therefore, some might spend more time doing research at times. Consult with your faculty mentor.
How do I get paid?
Student stipends are paid by check, typically in two lump sums. Payment dates will be announced in advance. You will need to submit a W-9 form to the program coordinator before the session starts.