The Purdue University Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology offers a number of Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships. These fellowships provide undergraduates an opportunity to conduct research in a unique and multidisciplinary setting. The internship simulates the "graduate school experience" and allows the student to choose from many fields of study including:

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Drug Design and Discovery
• Genetics
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Proteomics
• Systems Biology

Disease areas that are major research foci of faculty in the department include:

• Cancer Biology
• Neurological and Neurodegenerative disease
• Infectious disease

What are the requirements for entering the Summer Internship Program?

A candidate should typically complete at least his/her third year of undergraduate study by Summer 2008 (Sophomores will also be considered in exceptional cases. People who have already graduated will not be considered). The successful candidates for these fellowships will have outstanding academic records and will have presented evidence of a commitment to scholarship and research. Chemistry, biology, chemical engineering, or pharmacy majors who are interested in potentially pursuing doctoral studies in medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology are encouraged to apply.

Please note that these fellowships are intended for students who have a serious interest in research and desire an opportunity to explore a research environment in more depth so that an informed career choice will be possible. These fellowships are not meant to be a "summer job."

How do I decide on my research area of interest and how am I assigned to a mentor lab?

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Web site (http://www.mcmp.purdue.edu/) to identify faculty who may be appropriate research mentors. Faculty in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology pursue research in a variety of fields, including bioanalytical chemistry, systems biology, computational biology, synthetic medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry, and molecular pharmacology. Major disease research foci of the department are Cancer, Molecular Biology/Medicinal Chemistry and Neuropharmacology/Neurochemistry and Infectious disease. Research laboratory assignments will be negotiated with each fellow, and will take into account the fellow's research interests and the availability of faculty mentors.

How long is the program and what are the benefits?

A stipend of $3200 and a housing stipend of $800 will be paid for ten weeks of full-time work. The starting and completion dates are negotiable provided that the starting date is no earlier than completion of final examinations for Spring 2008, and the ending date is no later than the start of classes in Fall of 2008. Assistance in securing housing is available upon request.

How do I apply?

To apply, students should complete the application form. Mail, fax or e-mail the completed forms, along with a C.V. and a transcript, to Dr. Tony Hazbun at the number or address listed on the application by March 2, 2008. The applicant should arrange to have two (2) confidential letters of recommendation sent to Dr. Hazbun under separate cover. Such letters should address your potential for success in research. A brief informal interview may be required. The selection will be made by the graduate admissions committee in consultation with appropriate faculty, and will be based on academic record, the student's personal statement, and evidence of motivation toward involvement in research. Announcement of awards will be made in late March. If you have further questions, please contact Dr. Tony Hazbun at 765-496-8228 or thazbun@purdue.edu.

Purdue pharmacy students interested in research have other opportunities available through the Dean's office. Details can be found here.