2008 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Experiences in Molecular Biology Academic Research Careers (EMBARC) Program at UMBC received its first three-year award in 2002. Now in its second three-year award, support from the National Science Foundation has enabled the program to continue under the successful co-directorship of Drs. Janice Zengel and Lasse Lindahl. EMBARC offers a focused, comprehensive ten-week residential summer research program to ten select undergraduates recruited from two- and four-year colleges. Selected candidates must have completed at least 30 credit hours (sophomore status) and intend to pursue Ph.D. careers in science. EMBARC was developed to provide students with little or no research experience an opportunity to participate in a meaningful research experience concentrated on the structure and function of biological molecules.

This program, which is supported by the National Science Foundation as one of its Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Sites, offers a $4,500 per student summer stipend with paid campus housing, a $1150 food allowance, a travel allowance, and various program activities.

(NOTE: Student payments and other benefits from participating in this program may have income tax obligations. For more information, please consult a tax professional and/or the IRS.  Interested persons may also wish to review IRS Publication 970, "Tax Benefits for Education.")

EMBARC Trainees are paired with faculty mentors who guide their individual research projects focused on the Structure and Function of Biological Molecules. Faculty mentors are drawn from three departments at UMBC: (1) Biological Sciences; (2) Chemistry and Biochemistry; and (3) Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.

EMBARC Trainees work closely with their faculty research mentors and hold formal, weekly meetings to ensure the quality of the student experience. In addition to conducting individual research projects, EMBARC Trainees participate in a Summer Seminar Series to receive information regarding careers in scientific research, instruction in ethics, and training for communication skill development related to scientific research.

Program outcomes include the creation of student portfolios as well as the presentation of research projects at the annual UMBC Summer Research Fest held each August. Parents, mentors and advisors from home institutions are invited to the Summer Research Fest where student efforts are showcased and continued support for post program research activities and the pursuit of careers in science is encouraged.