Selected GEMS interns will enroll in a ten-week summer research internship course, Topics in Biomedical Science and Research, from June 1 through August 6, 2010. The course will be conducted by distinguished research faculty and will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory research assignments with a mentor. Participating basic science programs at UC Denver include biochemistry and molecular genetics, cell and developmental biology, cancer biology, human medical genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, reproductive science, and physiology and biophysics.

The course will include:

1. Lectures in biochemistry and molecular biology
2. Faculty research seminars in various disciplines
3. An eight-week laboratory research project
4. Academic skills workshops
5. Group social events

Eligibility

GEMS interns are selected on the basis of academic achievement, interest in biomedical science research careers, and inclusion in an underrepresented group or category (first generation college attendee, low income, financial need, or ethnic identity as African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, or Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander). Successful applicants will have completed two years of college and demonstrated aptitude in one or more laboratory science courses. Those who have just completed their freshman year or graduated and international students (with student visas) are not eligible for this program.

Accepted students must agree to attend the entire ten-week program. Other requirements include:

1. Minimum GPA of 2.8 overall; 3.0 in sciences;
2. Two (2) letters of recommendation (at least one from a science faculty member);
3. A personal statement of interest in graduate education and future career goals; and
4. A current transcript (copy acceptable).

Evaluation and Course Credit

Course grades will be determined by attendance and participation, assignments based on lectures and labs, and a final written and oral presentation of individual research project results. Six units of academic credit will be offered for completing the course. Students should consult with their home campus advisors if they plan to apply this course toward their baccalaureate degree.

Stipend / Living Allowance

Fellows will receive a $3,400 stipend/living allowance for the ten-week program. Tuition is also paid by the Graduate School. Room and board will need to be paid out of the living allowance. Apartments within walking distance to the Anschutz Medical Campus can be rented at reasonable rates. GEMS staff will help to facilitate summer accommodations.

Transportation

Interns will also receive round-trip transportation (up to $500 for airfare or mileage) to and from Denver. Airfare will be prepaid by the Graduate School, or the student can be reimbursed for standard airfare. Students who drive to Denver will be reimbursed for mileage.

UC Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Denver recently opened the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. In 2004, a new in-patient hospital and research complex were opened to join the Cancer Center, Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute and the Anschutz Out-Patient Pavilion. Two hundred research laboratories, including all the basic science departments, moved to this new state-of-the-art facility in the summer and fall of 2004. Available facilities include those for general biomedical research and a full range of specialized research facilities with state-of-the-art equipment including instruments for flow cytometry, X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry / proteomics, NMR, ORD, CD, surface plasmon resonance (BiaCore), fMRI, DNA sequencing, gene array analysis, and electron and confocal microscopy.

A modern metropolis of approximately two million residents, the metropolitan Denver offers a wide variety of cultural and recreational facilities. The climate in Denver and its environs is exceptionally pleasant, with mild, sunny winter, and warm, dry summers. Numerous year-round recreational opportunities are afforded by the Rocky Mountains and other nearby attractions.