Biology

This page provides information on:

1. Where to find information on existing research internship opportunities
2. Where to find funding for an unpaid internship opportunity
3. Research internship opportunities - examples, many of which K students have participated in
4. A sampling of post-graduation employment listing sites 

1. Where to find information on research internship opportunities:

• Talk to faculty about possible research opportunities at Kalamazoo College.  Faculty typically take on research students during the summer or may have suggestions of places to contact
• Contact researchers and institutions directly: Perhaps you know of a lab or project that is doing the type of research that you are particularly interested in, or you are fixed on the idea of being in a particular geographic location and want to look for something in that area. Initiative on your part is likely to be viewed positively so don't be shy about contacting the lab or project coordinator directly to express your interest in working with them.
• Dow bulletin board: Postings received from a variety of institutions are displayed on 3rd Floor bulletin boards of Dow Science Center
• Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD): Kalamazoo College students may search for internship and externship opportunities through the CCPD web site.  Information on funding for student-identified summer opportunities is also available through the CCPD site
• National Science Foundation - Research Experiences for Undergraduates.  This sites contains a list of participating universities and other research institutions that currently have REU programs.  Contact individual institutions for program information and applications.
• American Association for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: contains an extensive listing of summer internship programs, organized by state.
• Rochester Institute of Technology: VERY extensive listing of biology & biotechnology paid internship opportunities - all areas of biology.
• Internship Opportunities for Minority & Underrepresented Students: from Rochester Institute of Technology.
• Surf the web for additional databases and postings by specific programs.  Search words such as <summer internship research biology> is a good way to start.

NOTE: When applying for internships, there are usually a number of documents that you must assemble. These vary with the specific program to which you apply, but generally include:

• an application form with biographical information, educational background and interests.
• resume showing educational background and work experience
• a written statement of research interests, career plans and goals (including why the program you are applying to would help you meet these goals)
• an official copy of your undergraduate transcript
• letters of reference (professors, employers, others)

Keep in mind that the registrar's office and faculty members need advance notice to prepare transcripts and letters of recommendations. Plan accordingly.

Visit the Center for Career and Professional Development (Dewing Hall- first floor) for assistance with resume writing, cover letter writing, and interviewing for a job.

2. Kalamazoo College funding sources for unpaid internships:

If you have identified a research opportunity at Kalamazoo College or another institution, but the position is unpaid, you may apply for funding through various sources at Kalamazoo College:

• Diebold/Batts Research Fellowships: These fellowships are open to any Biology major and provide support for SIP research in biology. Awards are based on the strength of the proposed research and financial need. The number of awards granted each year will vary depending available funds from the Diebold endowment, number of eligible students and their individual needs. Priority is given to those projects carried out in conjunction with faculty members of the Kalamazoo College Biology Department. See the Biology Department SIP page for application details. Application deadline: Friday of 7th week of spring quarter to the Biology Department Chair.

• Center for Career & Professional Development: The Field Experience Program (FEP) offers structure and CCPD staff support to students engaged in summer internships of at least six weeks in duration. Included under the FEP umbrella are four types of internships:  K-Internships, Community Building Internships, Arcus Center Internships, and Independent Internships. FEP internships include a learning contract, regular structured reflection, a final reflective assignment and evaluation, and ongoing staff support. Completed FEP internships are noted on students’ official academic transcripts.

  To apply for a stipend for an unpaid independent internship, a student enrolls in the Field Experience Programby the Friday of fifth week, spring quarter. Grantees will be selected and confirmed by the Friday of seventh week, spring quarter. The application process, sliding scale, and disbursement of grants will be coordinated through the CCPD; all questions and inquiries should be directed to career@kzoo.edu

• Center for International Programs (CIP): The CIP has fellowship programs designed to help defray the costs of a Senior Individualized Project or other College-related activity in an international location. Sources of funding for international work include: The Beeler Fellowship, The Beeler Project Grant, and The Collins Fellowship. See the link under Funding Study Abroad for more information. Application deadline is typically mid-April. 

3. Sampling of research internship opportunities

(NOTE: deadline dates are approximate - check current posting for exact date)

4. Sampling of post-graduation employment and advice sites:

• Guide to Careers in the Life Science (by Nature Education) helps you to explore and choose what career is best for you. Starting with an assessment of who you are and how you work best, this guide takes you on a journey that extends from a survey of possible careers through the steps necessary to get there. Interviews with professionals about how they chose their career paths are included so you can learn how others became successful and understand the positive and negative aspects of various career choices. Strategies for networking, overcoming shyness, and building your résumé are also discussed to help you lay the groundwork for success and present the best you to potential employers. This guide is a must read for anyone embarking on a career in the life sciences.
• some undergraduate internship programs also offer internships to recent graduates; visit the sites above to determine whether they are open to recent graduates
• Environmental Careers Center: searchable web database of environmental jobs
• Environmental Careers Organization: a national, non-profit education, training and leadership development organization committed to the development of environmental professionals. ECO offers a range of internships in programs sponsored by federal, state and local government, corporations and non-profit organizations. Listing on their web site are updated frequently.
• Student Conservation Association:  Expense paid internships from 3 months to 1 year. Open to students and non-students.
• US Environmental Protection Agency: internships, fellowships and student programs

Consult the Biology Department's Handbook for Juniors and Seniors for information on conducting research toward a SIP in biology.