Research Experience in Molecular Biotechnology

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9732256 This REU program will provide a rich research experience to undergraduate students who will be recruited primarily from small colleges in the midwest and historically black land- grant universities, where research opportunities for students are rare. Formal communication and personal networking will be used to attract students from these institutions. Iowa State University has an active group of researchers who perform state-of-the-art research in molecular biotechnology. For eight weeks during the summer, they will guide ten students to participate in research projects involving molecular techniques. Projects will include generation of recombinant DNA, genome analysis, overexpression of foreign genes in bacteria and plants, molecular genetics, and transgenic animals. The students' experiences will be enriched by several activities outside the laboratory setting. These structured interactions will include discussion sessions on bioethics and different aspects of biotechnology research and careers. The students will also visit biotechnology facilities on campus and in an industrial environment. In addition, several social functions with mentors, graduate students, postdoctoral associates and other biotechnology researchers will encourage informal interactions. The impact of summer research training will be assessed through formal evaluations immediately after the training. Informal contacts with the students and their parents will be used to monitor progress and career decisions of the students. This program should excite the students about research and foster interest in research careers.