SDSU/CIRM Stem Cell Internship Program Overview

Program Overview

The SDSU/CIRM (California Institute for Regenerative Medicine) Bridges to Stem Cell Research Program is a government-funded program developed to encourage participation of both undergraduate and graduate students in the field of regenerative medicine. Through this program students will obtain hands-on experience in performing techniques used in state of the art stem cell research. These experiences will encourage and prepare students from the diverse population at SDSU to enter the growing field of stem cell research.

The SDSU/CIRM Stem Cell Internship Program (SCIP) will promote collaboration between the student's home institution, SDSU, and the host institutions: Salk, S/BMRI, TSRI and UCSD, through student/faculty interactions from all. These interactions will happen through a number of venues, including bi-monthly colloquiums, research seminars and a twelve month internship for each SCIP Fellow, which includes a $2500/month stipend (minimum).

During the program, each SCIP fellow will be guided by research mentors from both institutions. They will also receive intense training in stem-cell research techniques from a stem cell biologist, in order to prepare them for their internship year. The capstone experience for students will be a research report, for undergraduates, or a research thesis, for graduate students.

The program is open to senior undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or other relevant health or natural science. Students wishing to participate should have taken a cell and molecular biology lab course, hold an overall GPA of at least 3.0, and have experienced two semesters of research training at SDSU. It is also recommended that students have taken the Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology course or equivalent.

Internship Overiew

All Students will Participate in the Following:

• A two week short-course, at TSRI, which provides specific experience in stem cell research techniques
• A twelve month internship at one of the following host institutions: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, The Sanford/Burnham Medical Research Institute), The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), University of California at San Diego (UCSD), or an industry partner
• The CIRM Stem Cell Colloquium, which includes all SCIP Fellows and the home and host-institute mentors
• A Seminar/Symposium Series that includes:
• SDSU Student Research Symposium in Spring semester
• Stem Cells on the Mesa in Fall semester
• Bi-weekly seminar attendance at SDSU or host site
• CIRM Bridges meeting in Summer


• And
• will earn a monthly stipend of at least $2500/month during the internship year

Coursework will Include:

• Up to 6 units of research/special studies credit each semester
• Up to 3 units of stem cell biology course or other elective
• One unit of Ethics in Scientific Research
• One unit of Scientific Writing
• Prepare a final research paper reporting on the research carried out at the host institute.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, an applicant must:

1. Be enrolled full-time in a B.S. degree program in biology, biochemistry microbiology, or other relevant natural science field at SDSU;
2. Submit an official/unofficial transcript that shows an overall GPA of at least 3.0;
3. Provide a resume of relevant work experience, including duties (see sample resume on this page);
4. Submit personal statements describing:
1. why he/she wants to be a CIRM intern
2. how the experience will impact his/her career goals and provide future benefits for the California Stem Cell Initiative in particular and for society in general;
5. Have two letters of recommendation from faculty sent to the committee; if possible, one should be your faculty research mentor who can address your intellectual and personal suitability for the program

It is Strongly Recommended that a Student:

1. Have taken a Cell and Molecular Biology lab course (e.g. BIOL 366)
2. Have taken the Regenerative Medicine/Stem Cell Biology lecture course (e.g. BIOL 589)
3. Have carried out at least two semesters of prior research

Application

Submit Application by November 19, 2012 (midnight)
» Download Application
» Download Sample Résumé

E-Mail
skaiser@mail.sdsu.edu

Mail or Drop-Off
Attn: SDSU/CIRM Selection Committee
SDSU/CIRM Internship Program, GMCS 611
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr.
San Diego, CA 92182-1016