Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates
Spend your summer doing real research
The Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo is an immersive, eight-week program focused on hands-on research. Students work closely with faculty mentors, build core research skills and explore what it means to pursue science as a career or graduate pathway.
The REU program brings together undergraduate students from across the United States for full-time summer research in the Department of Biological Sciences.
During the program, students:
- Work one one-on-one with a faculty mentor on an original research project
- Participate in professional development workshops
- Present their work at a closing research symposium
Research projects fall within four broad themes:
- $5,000 research stipend for the full program
- Free on-campus housing
- Meal allowance
- Travel support to and from Buffalo
- Full-time, mentored research experience
Application timeline
- Applications open: September
- Application deadline: February 15 by 5 p.m. EST
- Offers extended: Late February to mid-March
- Travel to Buffalo: May 31
- Program dates: June 1 to July 24
- Travel home: July 25
The REU program is designed for students who are curious about research and considering future study or careers in science.
Applicants should:
- Be pursuing an undergraduate degree in biological sciences or a related field
- Be entering sophomore, junior or senior year
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have an interest in research experience
No prior research experience is required.
Applicants must complete the online application and submit required materials including:
Upload a current transcript to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Your resume should include:
- All post-secondary institutions attended with dates
- Research, teaching or other science-related activities if applicable
- Any additional information relevant to your preparation or interests
In 1,000 words or less, describe your academic and research goals and your long-term career interests. Explain what you hope to gain from the REU program and how it fits into your plans.
Provide contact information for at least one referee from your current college or university who has agreed to write a letter of recommendation. Referees will receive submission instructions after you complete your application.
Identify up to three faculty mentors you would be interested in working with. Students are matched with mentors whose research aligns with their interests. Mentors guide students through research design, data analysis and scientific communication.
Check out faculty mentors based on their research themes:
REU students work with faculty whose scholarship spans the breadth of modern biological sciences. Research projects are organized into four broad themes that reflect major areas of discovery and application in the life sciences.
Genome structure, evolution and expression
This theme explores how genomes are organized, how they change over time and how genetic information is regulated and expressed. Projects examine DNA and RNA across diverse organisms to understand evolution, adaptation and the genetic basis of traits and disease.
Examines how genetic regulatory pathways influence developmental responses and cellular differentiation in yeast.
Examines genomic variation in modern and ancient humans to understand evolution, adaptation and disease risk.
Uses genomic and bioinformatic approaches to study fish evolution, ecology and environmental change.
Investigates how genomic changes contribute to cancer resistance and reproductive traits across species.
Studies genome regulation and gene expression changes in yeast adapting to low-nutrient environments.
Explores how gene expression and protein synthesis are regulated in yeast and mammalian systems.
Neuronal physiology in health and disease
This theme focuses on how nervous systems function at cellular and circuit levels and how disruptions lead to disease. Students investigate brain and neural processes using genetic, physiological and imaging approaches in model organisms.
Uses genetic and behavioral approaches to understand how nervous systems sense and respond to the environment.
Examines how disruptions in neuronal transport contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Investigates how neurological systems are altered in disease states affecting memory, cognition and behavior.
Studies how neural synapses process sound information using electrophysiology and imaging techniques.
Using model organisms to address human problems
This theme uses experimentally powerful organisms to investigate biological processes that inform human health and disease. Projects translate discoveries from model systems into insights about development, regeneration and therapeutic intervention.
Uses yeast genetics and molecular biology to study signaling pathways tied to cell growth, adhesion and developmental change.
Uses C. elegans to investigate how genes and environment shape nervous system function.
Uses fruit fly models to study cellular transport failures linked to human neurodegenerative disease.
Applies mouse models and molecular tools to study chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment.
Uses yeast and mouse models to study gene regulation processes relevant to cancer biology.
Uses yeast as a model system to understand protein modification pathways conserved in humans.
Using fungi to understand cellular processes
This theme leverages fungi as model systems to study fundamental cellular mechanisms. Students explore gene regulation, signaling and cell structure using molecular and genetic tools with broad relevance across biology.
Uses yeast to study signaling pathways that control cell shape, growth and differentiation.
Investigates fungal cell wall structure to better understand targets for antifungal therapies.
Studies chromatin structure and transcriptional control in yeast under environmental stress.
Examines how fungi regulate protein synthesis in response to cellular and environmental change.
Biology education research
This theme focuses on how biology is taught and learned. Projects explore evidence-based teaching practices, curriculum design, student learning and scientific communication using qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Explores how undergraduate biology courses can be taught more effectively through curriculum design, assessment, and education research methods.
If you want to spend your summer building research skills, working alongside faculty and exploring the life sciences, the UB REU program offers an exceptional opportunity to grow as a scientist.
Questions about the program? Contact the program coordinator.
