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Undergraduate Biotechnology Research Fellowship Program

Virginia Tech's Office of Undergraduate Research is excited to announce the introduction of a brand new biotechnology research program funded by generous donations to the Fralin Life Sciences Institute (FLSI). Each summer, up to 12 students will be selected to participate in this full-time undergraduate research program, which includes a fellowship of $5,000. Students will be matched with VT faculty or local companies to conduct Biotechnology-related research throughout the summer, from May 27 and August 1, 2025, inclusive.


Mentors: Faculty/Biotech Companies

Faculty and Blacksburg-based Biotechnology companies are invited to submit research projects for students to engage in during Summer 2025.

Link to faculty/company submission form: https://forms.office.com/r/i9bChMKHhn

Deadline to submit projects: ongoing

Mentor Expectations:

  • Plan/design a project that can realistically be completed in the 10-week summer research period.
  • Provide guidance and oversight to research intern(s) to help them accomplish project goals.
  • Provide appropriate space and access to necessary research materials related to the project.
  • Allow intern(s) time away from research activities to participate in OUR research programming that includes orientation on 5/28/25, weekly Wednesday professional development seminars (4-5pm), and symposium on 7/31/25.
  • Guide, review, and approve abstract submission and poster for presentation at the Summer Research Symposium.


Student Researchers

Motivated engineering and science students interested in a career in biotechnology research are invited to apply. Applications open the week of Thanksgiving break.

Student Eligibility:

  • Full-time Virginia Tech student.
  • Enrolled in an engineering or science major.
  • Good academic standing: CGPA>2.5.
  • Interest in pursuing a career in Biotechnology research.

Program Expectations:

  • Engage in research activities with assigned mentor/company on a full-time basis (up to 40 hours/week) for the duration of the 10-week summer research period between 5/27/25 and 8/1/25, inclusive.
  • Attend the VT summer research day-long orientation on 5/28/25, professional development seminars every Wednesday from 4-5pm, and present a research poster at the Summer Research Symposium on 7/31/25.
  • Receive a fellowship of $5,000 disbursed throughout the summer. NOTE: this program does not include separate funding for housing.

Application process:

  1. Review the list of available projects and mentors
  2. Review and rank top 3 projects based on student interest and career goals.
  3. Complete the application form, which will require the following:
    • Digital copy of unofficial transcript.
    • Ranking of top 3 project choices, with explanation of why they are of interest to the student.
    • Personal statements on motivation for engaging in this kind of research program, how this program will support future goals, skills the student will bring to the project, and what the student hopes to gain from participating in the program.

Student Application Form Link: https://forms.office.com/r/LBEwZLHXr4

NOTE: If you already have a project and mentor, use this application form: https://forms.office.com/r/mQLqkBT0Sc  

Application Deadline: 3/3/25 at noon


Award/Matching

Selected students will be matched to projects based on their indicated preferences. Awards will be announced by April 1.

If you have any questions, please email Keri Swaby, Director for VT's Office of Undergraduate Research at kswaby@vt.edu.