The Program

• Funding for this program is given only to Cornell students working on campus.
• Program is open to Sophomores and Juniors, with preference for Sophomores.
• Students spend nine weeks engaged in full-time research at Cornell (June to August). Students should not enroll in classes or have other employment. During the program students will present and discuss their work in a seminar series and poster session. Students will also participate in a series of lectures and chemical safety training.
• Each participant in the Hughes Scholars Program will receive a summer stipend.
• Students are expected to continue their research during the next academic year following their participation in the program. This is usually done by enrolling in Biological Sciences 499, Undergraduate Research in Biology or an equivalent class.
• Students may participate in both the Biology Honors Program and the Hughes Scholars Program, and may use the same research project for each program.

Academic Requirements

• Students applying to the program should demonstrate through their coursework, a strong interest in biology.
• Preference will be given to majors in Biological Sciences. Non-biology majors will be considered if they are working with a Cornell life science researcher.

Application Process

• Before applying, students should make arrangements with a Cornell faculty member who will serve as the student's research advisor. The advisor may be a faculty member in any department at Cornell. The project must be biological in nature.
• Students not currently working at a lab are encouraged to stop by 216 Stimson Hall for more information on finding a research opportunity.
• Students must complete an application that includes a personal statement; a resume including work and extracurricular experience; a description of the research project; a transcript of all course work undertaken at Cornell; and letters of recommendation from Cornell faculty members (one of whom must be the research supervisor). Complete details are available on the Hughes Online Application.
• Once applications are complete, applicants will be scheduled to give a 5 minute informal talk (Chalk Talk) on their project to a group of other applicants and the program director.

For more information contact:

• Laurel Southard
  Hughes Scholars Program Director
  216 Stimson Hall
  254-4533
  les3@cornell.edu
• Pamela Davis
  Hughes Scholars Program Coordinator
  216 Stimson Hall
  255-8246
  pd43@cornell.edu
• Information on finding a research lab is also available in the Bio Advising Center, 216 Stimson Hall.