Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in RNA and Genome Biology (REU-RGB)

Posted on December 10, 2024

2025 University of Colorado School of Medicine - Anschutz Medical Campus and MSU Denver

Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in RNA and Genome Biology (REU-RGB) 

Hands-on, mentored research opportunities in RNA and Genome Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genomics, and Bioinformatics
https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/biochemistry/reu-rgb

The Research Experience for Undergraduates in RNA and Genome Biology Program 
Our REU Site in RNA and Genome Biology (REU-RGB) is a collaboration between CU-Anschutz and MSU Denver. This collaboration harnesses the strengths of each institution to engage students, particularly those from underrepresented groups in STEM, in independent, mentored bioscience research. By combining our campus resources, we take advantage of faculty and facilities at each institution to effectively identify and train students who are well-positioned for a transformative summer research experience. Our structure allows us to effectively match undergraduates, especially those that have taken less-traditional paths through college, with research-intensive faculty mentors. Mentors will provide advanced training to this next generation of scientists in a rigorous and well-supported program environment. 

Application Information 
A committee of REU-RGB Faculty will select highly qualified undergraduates for REU-RGB 2025 positions. In partnership with our campus chapter, 50% of intern offers go to SACNAS-affiliated students. Applicants will be contacted by email starting the week of March 3, 2025, continuing until all slots are filled. Applicants will have seven days to accept the internship offer and will be asked to sign a letter of acceptance agreeing to complete the program requirements. If the applicant needs to make a decision on another offer for a summer program before being contacted, they may contact the REU-RGB to request an expedited decision. Please note that REU-RGB is a full-time training program that spans 10 weeks. Therefore, fellows may not combine their research work with any other daytime commitments. 

Eligibility and Requirements 
All college undergraduates who will be re-enrolling Fall 2025 are eligible to apply. RGB-REU can only accept U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Interns are required to attend orientation and weekly lectures given by REU-RGB researchers and/or mentors. Applicants whose institution is in session into June may request approval for a late start date. Interns must present their work at the end of the internship to members of the REU-RGB. Any publications, patents, posters, talks or projects that result from an intern's participation in REU-RGB must credit the program by including the funding acknowledgement.

Application 
The application deadline for Summer 2025 is February 14, 2025. 

You must complete the application in the NSF eTAP portal (including registration), applications will not be accepted via email. Please make sure to save your progress regularly in the application portal. Application components include: 

  • A one-page (maximum) essay detailing the applicant's academic activities, the applicant’s interest in the REU-RGB, expectations from the program, and future career goals. This essay can be uploaded as a file in the application portal. The essay should also include the reasons for selecting their desired mentors/projects. Please find the full list of RGB-REU Mentors listed below important dates table.
  • Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a science professor/lecturer from a course completed by the applicant) submitted along with application through the program portal. Letters must be submitted by the submission deadline.
  • Official college transcript

Stipend, Housing, Travel, and Food Allowances 
Interns will be paid a stipend of $7,000 via direct deposit Bi-weekly. Interns will also receive a stipend for housing and food. If not local to the Denver metro area, the REU-RGB program will be able to assist in costs for travel to/from Denver for the summer.  

Please reach out to [email protected] for any questions regarding the RGB REU Intern Program.