MARC uSTAR Summer Scholars

• 8 week program. Program dates are May 27-July 21, 2024.
• Free housing and $3,200 summer stipend
• Mentored full-time research in a top-notch Washington University research lab.
• Rigorous personalized training in scientific presentation.
• Opening and closing dinners at the program director’s house for students and their friends.
• Weekly Evening Science talks from PhD scientists about their research and career path.
• New: Student panels on graduate school and medical school and the MD/PhD.
• Closing symposium for all students and their labs.

Applicants must be rising sophomores (hold sophomore status by August 2024).

Application components:

1. Personal information and short answers on previous research experience, community building, and program logistics.
2. Statement of purpose. In an essay of 1000 words or less, describe why you want to conduct scientific research, how you will benefit from the program, and your expected career plans. Upload this essay as a .pdf file, and be sure to include your name in the file name.
3. PDF of unofficial transcript. Your GPA is not a final indicator of acceptance to the program; it provides a history of courses you have taken. To download your unofficial transcript: WebSTAC > Academics > Unofficial Transcript (can hit “Do Not Display” on all) > Run > Printer Friendly in upper right hand corner > CTRL+P to save as PDF. If the printed PDF includes demographics (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender), this data will be blinded by the administrative coordinator prior to application review.
4. One recommendation. This recommendation can take the form of short answer responses OR a traditional letter of recommendation (faculty can choose one approach). It should come from someone at WU who is familiar with you and your interests. It need not be a science lecturer, but can be an advisor or faculty representative whom you know. If you have already found a lab, the recommendation should come from your research mentor. Your recommender should submit their responses by February 15 via this webform: https://undergradresearch.wustl.edu/ustar-summer-scholars-recommendation-letter-portal.

If you have questions regarding the uSTAR program, Dr. Jim Skeath can be reached at (Jskeath@wustl.edu).

As part of the uSTAR Sophomore Summer Scholars Program, students will commit to the following expectations:

• Attending a research ethics workshop held in June (date TBD).
• Attend the weekly uSTAR seminars throughout the summer.
• Not enroll in any other courses or accept employment during the program dates.
• Present at the uSTAR closing symposium during the last week of the summer program and, if able, the WashU Fall Undergraduate Research Symposium (date TBD).

Students need not identify a mentor prior to applying to the program. If selected for the program, we will work with each student to help them identify a mentor.

That said, if you would like to initiate the process of finding a mentor, we encourage you to start by visiting department websites and reading faculty biographies to identify faculty members whose academic interests align with your own.

If you need help reaching out to a specific faculty member, please contact Dr. Jim Skeath at jskeath@wustl.edu and/or visit the Office of Undergraduate Research’s webpage on Finding a Mentor.

On-campus, apartment-style housing will be provided by the uSTAR program. Students will have access to a shared kitchen with linens (sheets, pillow, pillowcase, blanket, towels) provided. However, program participants will be responsible for purchasing their own groceries and kitchenware. We recommend arranging with your suite mates prior to move-in.