What is the REO program?

The Research Experience Opportunity award allows undergraduate students to experience hands-on biomedical-related research in an established research lab in the State.  The award includes a $5000 total stipend for the student and $1000 to the host lab to help defray the cost of research supplies.  The REO award is a unique opportunity to really experience research first hand.

How do I find a mentor?

There are several ways to find a mentor.  Typically the mentor will be a research scientist at one of the four research intensive universities in the State:  The University of Southern Mississippi, The University of Mississippi (main campus and medical center), Mississippi State University and Jackson State University.  Many students find a mentor by asking a faculty member at their home institution to recommend a research scientist.  Another way is to ask previous REO awardees about their mentor.  You can also search PubMed for recent research papers from Mississippi to find active scientists in your field of interest.  If you still have difficulty identifying a mentor, contact the MFGN staff and we will help you.

How will I get paid the stipend for my living expenses?

You will receive two checks, one around the end of April and the second around the first of June.  These checks are your stipend to cover the entire 12 week summer experience and for your travel to present a poster at a meeting of MFGN choosing.  If awarded, the information on your W-9 is essential for this process.  The address listed on the W-9 is where your check will be mailed.

What is the award amount for the students?

Each student will be awarded $5,000 total.  Any awards for projects less than 12 weeks will be pro-rated.  This award is subject to income tax regulations.  You will receive a 1099 tax form early the following year for reporting purposes.  Remember to set aside funds from your stipend to travel to a scientific meeting (often the annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences meeting) to present your REO research.  Usually $250 to $300 is sufficient to go to the Mississippi Academy meeting but may vary depending on your particular travel and lodging arrangements.

What is expected of me as a student?

The primary expectation is that you will work hard, learn new research methods, develop more interpersonal skills and increase your network of professional contacts.  The REO award gives you an opportunity to gain understanding of what your mentor is trying to accomplish and what role your project plays in the “big picture”.  You will also be expected to develop a Power Point presentation on your project to be submitted to the MFGN office.  You will need to submit this at the end of the summer.  Details will be sent to you by the middle of your project.  You will also be required to present your work at a scientific meeting (most often this is the annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences) and send the MFGN staff a copy of the full abstract.

What happens if I don’t get along with my mentor?

Although very rare, occasionally a student and their mentor have personality conflicts that make a productive relationship difficult.  Even if this should happen to you, you should have a frank and respectful conversation with your mentor to see if you can solve this problem.  In nearly every case the primary problem is lack of communication.  This is also an opportunity to develop your interpersonal skills, thus we encourage students to stick out the summer unless there are extreme circumstances.  There are often times in a career that you will be faced with such an obstacle and as you gain experience dealing with such problems you will be better able to deal with these occasions in the future.  Contact the MFGN staff if you need help.

What if I have to work with a graduate student instead of the mentor?

In many research labs mentors utilize their graduate students to train new students (both undergraduate and graduate) in research.  Working with a graduate student should in no way impede your project and is very common practice.

Where will I live during my summer research project?

Dormitories on the campuses of you host lab often have rooms available during the summer for a small fee.  Other options available are to rent an apartment or to room with friends or family living in the area.

How flexible is the deadline for my application?

The deadline is the end of business March 31, 2008.  There are no exceptions to this deadline and late applications will not go to review.

How will I know if you received my application on time?

Once we receive your application we will send you a notice by e-mail that we have received it.  If your application lacks a key element you will also be informed and asked to submit the missing items by the deadline.  Please note, email is the primary mode of communication out of our office so make certain that you enter your email information correctly on your application.

How soon will I know if I will be awarded an REO?

The applications will be reviewed during the first week of April and notification will be sent out during the second week of April.  Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email.  Successful applicants will by required to complete an emailed acceptance form and a W-9 form that is to be signed and returned to the MFGN office by the deadline and mode stated in the email.  Failure to complete these forms cancels the award.

Do I have to stay in Mississippi to do my project?

The mandate of the MFGN proposal state “augment biomedical research within the state of Mississippi”, therefore, your project must be with a research scientist in Mississippi.

What information should I include in my narrative?

Be sure to include how the REO will enhance your career goals and give a brief description of your proposed research project.  Your mentor can help with this process.  The narrative is limited to a maximum of two pages.

Besides the actual REO application, what is required of me to be considered for an REO award?

You must also have submitted by the March 31, 2008 deadline a letter of recommendation from one of your professors at your home institution and a letter of support from your proposed mentor for your summer research project.  In both cases, ask your professor and mentor to send their letters directly to MFGN (i.e., do not give them to you to send in).