Stowers Summer Scholars

The mission of the Stowers Summer Scholars Program is to provide an invaluable laboratory experience for those serious science students who are interested in learning more about graduate school and a future in academic research.

Each student participating in the Stowers Summer Scholars Program works on an independent research project under the direction of a principal investigator. The program offers Scholars the opportunity to become immersed in a research topic for a full-time ten-week period. Topics include chromatin and regulation of gene expression; chromosome structure and cell division; computational biology, modeling and technology; developmental genetics and cell biology; developmental neuroscience; and stem cells and regeneration.  Stowers Scholars have opportunities to interact and collaborate with other members of their laboratory and the Stowers community as a whole. In this way, Stowers Scholars experience not only the intellectual but also the collaborative spirit of research. In addition, Stowers Scholars have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest techniques in laboratories and supporting core centers, which are equipped with the most advanced technology.

Program

The Stowers Summer Scholars Program requires a ten-week commitment during the summer. Stowers Scholars spend the vast majority of their time in the laboratory. There they work on a research project while receiving guidance and supervision from the laboratory head or a senior member of the lab. All Scholars are required to attend weekly scientific seminars on an array of research topics. Other activities include a weekly lunch where Scholars can share ideas and discuss individual projects and experiments. At the completion of the program, Scholars present their work in an All-Institute poster session.

Along with the scientific/ research aspect of our program, we are planning several social events for the Scholars in the summer of 2013, such as visits to Worlds of Fun, a Royals baseball game, and/or a tour of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Requirements

To be considered for the program, applicants should have completed one year of undergraduate studies with at least a 3.2 GPA. They should be enrolled in or just graduated from a degree-granting program in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, chemistry, physics, computing, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.  Potential applicants who will begin a Ph.D. program in Fall 2013 are not eligible. Previous Scholars are also not eligible. All participants must be 18 years of age by their start date in the summer.

Allowances and Amenities

In 2013, each Stowers Scholar from the U.S. receives a $4,000 stipend and, if requested, is provided accommodations near campus. Travel to and from Kansas City is provided at the beginning and end of the program to non-Kansas City residents.

In 2013, each Stowers Scholar from outside the U.S. has housing and meals provided, as well as travel to and from Kansas City at the beginning and end of the program.  The Stowers Institute assists international students with their visa application.

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research boasts a beautiful campus, a cafeteria, gym facilities, and an espresso bar. Amongst other things, Kansas City is well known for its barbecue, an expansive farmer’s market, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, which is within walking distance from the Institute.

Program Dates

The program requires a full-time ten-week commitment.  In 2013, applicants will participate during the following sets of dates: 

May 13 – July 19, 2013
June 3 – August 9, 2013
July 1 – September 6, 2013


Application:

Application materials were due on or before February 1, 2013 for the 2013 Stowers Summer Scholars Program. We will continue to accept transcripts and recommendation letters, but not new applications after that date. Please contact studenttrainingprograms@stowers.org for more information.

Application Notification

Contact Us

Please be sure to read the FAQs section. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the Stowers Summer Scholars Program.

Ana Pedraza
Stowers Summer Scholars Program Coordinator
studenttrainingprograms@stowers.org
816.926.4400