These students are part of an exceptional group of 443 undergraduate students from around the world who are conducting scientific research as part of Caltech's SURF program this year.
Research projects range from "Characterization of New Human Single Chain Monoclonal Antibodies for Mutated Huntingtin Proteins Containing Elongated Polyglutamine Tracts" and "Anatomical and Functional Studies of the Spindle Cell Neurons in the Anterior Cingulate and Fontoinsular Cortices" to "Neural Network Learning for Control of a Biomorphic Arm" and "Chemical Sensors: Mimicking Taste in the Molecular Recognition of Wine."
Now in its 25th year, the renowned Caltech SURF program offers an exceptional opportunity for undergraduates to conduct independent research and to work on a close, one-to-one basis with faculty members. Interested students collaborate with potential mentors and write proposals that, if accepted, are funded for a summer stipend of $5,000. The mentor pays research costs and provides lab space and equipment. Approximately 240 Caltech faculty members, Jet Propulsion Laboratory technical-staff members, off-campus academicians, and small-business entrepreneurs are participating this year. In all, about 3,773 students have participated in the SURF program since its inception.
In addition to conducting research, SURF participants attend weekly seminars given by Caltech faculty and JPL technical-staff members, during which each speaker provides an overview of his or her area of research. Students also learn public-speaking skills as well as techniques for delivering a technical talk and for creating visual aids. A series of informal discussions is held regularly on issues students will face as they prepare for and commence their professional careers. These discussions include the role of communication in scientific careers, entrepreneurialism, and career planning.
At the end of their projects, the students present oral reports at a one-day conference modeled after a professional technical meeting. SURF Seminar Day this year will be on October 18. Approximately 20 percent of the students become authors or coauthors of articles published in professional scientific journals, contribute to significant reports, or present their work at conferences.
This year's SURF program is funded by more than 185 donors, approximately 50 individual endowments, four corporations, four private foundations, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Contact: Deborah Williams-Hedges (626) 395-3227 [email protected]
Visit the Caltech Media Relations Web site at: http://pr.caltech.edu/media
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