Summer Research Support on Campus in Biology

Sources of Summer Research Support

The Biology Department and the College offer several pathways to secure funding for summer research. Most opportunities require that students return to W&M for the following fall semester.

1. Faculty and Departmental Grants

Faculty Grants: Support often comes directly from a faculty member’s research grant to fund work on a specific project.
Program-Specific Funding: Funding may be available through external sponsors like Merck or Beckman Announcements are typically emailed to Biology majors between February and April.

The Llanso-Sherman Award ($2,000): This rotates among science departments and supports biomedical research. It requires a letter of nomination from a professor.

2. Charles Center for Undergraduate Research Fellowships

The Charles Center for Undergraduate Research administers various fellowships for biology students.

Stipends: Most offer between $2,500 and $4,000.
Housing: Some fellowships include free on-campus housing for the duration of the research.
Deadline: Applications are typically due in late February.

3. Donor-Supported Research Funds

These are funds provided by foundations or individuals to give students hands-on experience.

Eligibility: While many are open to all students, some donors restrict eligibility to specific research topics or geographical locations.

The Proposal and Application Process

Securing summer funding is a collaborative effort between the student and their faculty mentor.

Identify a Mentor: You must have a professor willing to supervise the project before applying.
Draft the Proposal: While the proposal must be your own written work, you should receive extensive guidance from your mentor on topic selection.
Review and Revise: It is strongly recommended that your supervising professor reviews your drafts and assists with revisions before final submission.

Departmental Funding and Special Awards

Beyond general fellowships, the Biology Department maintains several specific funds to support student research, travel, and academic excellence.

Comprehensive List: For a detailed breakdown of named scholarships (such as the Mangum Prize or Ferguson Award) and research-specific endowments, visit the Student Funding and Awards page.
Specialized Support: Funding is often available through specific programs like the Beckman Scholars or the Ethan S. Winter Biology Opportunity Fund. These are typically announced via the Biology majors' listserv.
Conference Travel: If you are traveling to present your findings, you should consult with your faculty mentor and explore Charles Center Student Travel Grants for supplemental support.
How to Apply: While some awards have formal application portals, many internal funds are distributed via faculty nomination. Always discuss your specific financial needs with your research supervisor early in the spring semester.