HHMI Summer Research Program

Collaborative research among faculty and students is a critical element of the academic culture at Mount Holyoke, providing our students with outstanding mentoring and access to sophisticated scientific instrumentation and techniques that few undergraduates experience. With the support of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Mount Holyoke will offer two overlapping summer research programs in the coming year. Students with interest in the disciplines of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, neuroscience and behavior (psychology), and earth and the environment are all encouraged to apply.

1. The Cascade Mentoring Program. This program will support six pairs of students, each consisting of a rising sophomore and a rising junior or senior. Working together, they will engage in an independent research project mentored by a science faculty member. Initially, the rising sophomore may assist the upper-class student with basic tasks in the laboratory or the field. The faculty advisor will work with both students to ensure that the research is progressing satisfactorily and that the rising sophomore is being mentored effectively. As the younger student gains confidence and experience in the lab, she will be expected to take on more research responsibilities. After eight weeks of work, each pair of students will give a presentation at Mount Holyoke’s annual Summer Science Symposium. Faculty advisors will also encourage students to present their research at appropriate local or regional scientific meetings.

2. Independent Research for Upperclass Students. In addition to our Cascade Mentoring program, seven upper-class students will be chosen to pursue independent research projects on campus or at off-campus research sites. We recognize that some upper-class students prefer to leave campus to accept internships in industry, government, or university laboratories, which may lead to employment opportunities after graduation. In addition, since we would especially like our students to pursue international research experiences, we will provide funds for students to work at HHMI international research sites, mentored by HHMI scholars. The faculty selection committee will award these research fellowships on the basis of the student’s academic record, the merits of the proposed project and, for off-campus opportunities, evidence of financial need. For more information, please consult a faculty member in your department, or the codirectors of the HHMI Summer Research Program, Craig Woodard  and Sean Decatur.

Current sophomores and juniors applying for the program should also have their proposed faculty member and a second faculty or staff member submit supporting letters of recommendation. The requested essay in the Universal Application Form should be written to include a short statement outlining the project, the faculty member with whom the project will be done, and her motivation for participating. Current first-years should have a faculty or staff member submit a supporting letter of recommendation. The student's proposal should include a short statement outlining her academic background and her motivation for participating in the program.

All Mount Holyoke students should apply to the HHMI Summer Research Program using the Universal Application Form.  Non-MHC students should obtain a paper copy of the form from the HHMI program administration office.