Choose Development!

Paid Summer Undergraduate Research Training Program

Choose Development! is a 10-week paid summer undergraduate research training program for students from underrepresented or traditionally excluded groups in STEM, first-generation college students, or those with disabilities interested in pursuing research careers in developmental biology and related areas.

A stipend of $5,500 each summer and some travel/living assistance will be provided.

The program provides a research-intensive undergraduate training experience in the lab of an established developmental biologist, a multi-level mentoring plan for each student, SDB-wide recognition and enculturation activities at national scientific conferences, and continued mentoring after the completion of the fellowship.

Undergraduates will be selected from a national applicant pool. There are two ways to participate in the program.

Option 1: The student will pursue research in a lab at their home institution.

Option 2: The student will pursue research in a lab outside their home institution.

In both cases, the Academic Mentor (PI) must be an SDB member and apply to the program. For Option 2, the student will be matched to a research laboratory from a list of Choose Development! mentors. All students will be mentored by faculty committed to enhancing their preparation to enter graduate programs.

Students will be recognized as an elite group of SDB Choose Development! Fellows who will spend two summers pursuing independent research in the mentor’s laboratory.

The Society will ensure dissemination of their research accomplishments through the  Fellows’ participation in SDB regional and/or national meetings, complemented by strong support and encouragement from members of this scientific community.

It is expected that most, if not all of these SDB Choose Development! Fellows will pursue and be accepted into graduate programs in developmental biology or related areas.