Biology & Biochemistry Undergraduate Research Training (BURT) Program & Course (BIOL/BCHS 3396 & 4396; AKA Senior Research Project)
**Enrollment in the course is by invitation only; must be a member of the Biology & Biochemistry Undergraduate Research Training Program to register **
The Biology & Biochemistry Undergraduate Research Training (BURT) Program is built around readying undergraduates for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program accomplishes this goal by training students in the responsible conduct of research, how to find a mentor, and how to conduct themselves professionally. We also discuss mental health and social issues in academia (e.g., imposter complex, stereotype threat, harassment) and how these can affect student’s personal and professional lives. In addition, students discuss research papers by selected faculty, who visit the class to talk about their work. Based on these interactions, students select a faculty mentor lab, in which they conduct a semester-long research project the following semester.
For more information, notification of infosessions, etc., sign up here: BURT Notification Signup [requires UH login]. Also, see the bottom of this page for Infosession dates/times/locations.
Here is a video overview of the program (requires UH login): BURT Overview Video [requires UH login]
More about the Program is provided below.
Why conduct research as an undergraduate?
Undergraduate research experiences teach students the tenets of scientific inquiry and offer many pathways to personal, intellectual and professional growth. Moreover, research experience is a requisite component of successful applications to graduate, medical, and professional school. Thus, students destined for careers in STEM disciplines or medicine require quality research experience to succeed in their professions. While conducting research, students learn by doing. Through the design and execution of experiments, students learn first-hand the process of science and how it is deployed to deepen our understanding of how the natural world works. Undergraduate research also teaches students to think critically and work effectively within a team, providing real-world experience in how to integrate information and across disciplines and divide labor among individuals with diverse expertise to solve complex problems. Over time, students connect with their lab mates, gain confidence, and develop experiences that they can draw on when applying for jobs, graduate programs, professional school, etc. Plus, undergraduate research is super fun.
But I feel I am not ready for undergraduate research …
Many students feel they are not ready to talk with faculty or take on an undergraduate research projectr. Even if they feel prepared, they may not know how to do these things. The point of the BURT program is to get you ready for research. If you already knew how to do these things, then you wouldn’t need the program! Our expectation is that all of this is new to you, and to succeed, you will need guidance and support. Here are some of the things you will gain as a BURT participant:
• Learning in a closely-knit group of supportive program peers with backgrounds similar to your own
• Specific training in how to find and ready yourself for a STEM career that feels right for you
• Instruction on how to write a solid letter of introduction, how to prepare for interviews, etc.
• Access to high-quality faculty mentors that are invested in your training and goals
• Undergraduate research in the labs of these mentors, working with their research team
• $6,000 scholarship support for each BURT student and up to $4,000 college work study money for qualifying students (based on FASA evaluation)
• Letters of recommendation from the BURT Program director and your faculty mentor
• Writing support when you are ready to apply for jobs or graduate school
BURT Program Goals & Requirements:
Undergraduate research experience is essentially required for entrance into graduate school, medical school, and most other professional schools. Moreover, undergraduate research makes students much more competitive on the job market. Our goal is to engage talented students need in scientific research early in their college careers to facilitate their academic, personal, and professional success. Student participants will:
• Enroll in at least one class in each of the fall and spring terms that count toward completing the major requirements of their biology or biochemistry degree plans, earning a B- or better in both courses. (You should probably be doing this anyway)
• Enroll in the “Senior Research Project” course in the fall (BIOL or BCHS 3398; Tuesday/Thursday 2:30–4:00) taught by Frankino, earning a grade of B or better. This course will introduce students to the conduct of research, how to communicate scientific ideas effectively, and explore life-work balance issues. Enrollment is by invitation only; Frankino will send you the code so you can register.
• Enroll in the “Senior Research Project” course in the spring (BIOL or BCHS 4398; time TBA) taught by Frankino, earning a grade of B or better. This course will consist of round table discussions of faculty papers and meetings with faculty. Enrollment is by invitation only; Frankino will send you the code so you can register.
• Commit to 12–15 hours per week conducting mentored research during the summer term (and hopefully beyond); we will provide special advising sessions to build your class schedules around your research experience.
Class Format
The class is student-driven. Students have a strong say in the content that is covered, and the emphasis within topics. The format consists of traditional lectures, round table discussions, individual and group presentations, and engaging guest speaker conversations.
To Apply :
• Go here: BURT Application Form [requires UH login]
• Submit a one-page statement describing your personal and professional motivation to study biology or biochemistry and what you hope to accomplish personally and professionally after graduation.
• Keep in mind that this is a research scholarship, so if your future plans include medical school, the value of a research experience to that future should be made explicit. Professionally tracked students cannot be funded for BURT on a Federal Grant.
• Complete the survey linked at the bottom Program Application Page above, or go directly to it here: https://tinyurl.com/BURTApplication [requires UH login]
Questions?
Contact the program director, Dr. Frankino, via email and put ‘BURT 2025’ in the subject line. Also, come to one of the Infosessions:
• Tuesday, February 18 @ 11:00 am in HSC 102 RSVP 18 Feb Session [requires UH login]
• Thursday, February 20 @ 4:30 pm in HSC 102 RSVP 20 Feb Session [requires UH login]