PSU Research Experience for Undergraduates

Deadline for Letters of Recommendations

2011-02-14T16:03:00.000-08:00

So, it seems we are experiencing the festival of the last minute as many applications turned up over the weekend and throughout the day. February 15th is the deadline for applications, though I will not disable the application page until Wednesday morning (you're welcome).

Many of you are concerned about the deadline for letters of recommendation. In order to be considered, your letters of recommendation must be received by February 20th, a five-day extension. I'll be running an ultra-marathon the day before, so I am sure I will appreciate being able to kick back and peruse all of your wonderful letters on Sunday evening.

Best of luck,

Amy

New Project Added!

2011-01-25T13:57:00.001-08:00

Michael Bartlett The Role of Basal Transcription Factors in Gene Expression in Hyperthermophile Archaea. Our research focus is on the basic mechanism of transcription in the archaea. The transcription machinery in archaea is strikingly similar to that of eukaryotes, although considerably simpler. Our model system is the hyperthermophile archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus, which grows best at temperatures near 100°C. The roles of its transcription factors in transcription initiation and elongation are being studied using biochemistry and molecular biology. We recently developed a novel cross-linking technique to define protein-DNA interactions that relies on recombinant proteins containing unnatural amino acids. An REU project will involve introduction of mutations in surfaces likely to be involved in DNA-protein interactions, followed by characterization of the mutant proteins in biochemical assays. Through this, the REU student will gain experience in the design and introduction of site-directed mutations, protein purification, gel electrophoresis, PCR, and in vitro analysis of protein-DNA interactions. Understanding the specific positioning and roles of transcription factors will help develop a unified model for transcription initiation and elongation in eukaryotic-type transcription systems.

Seminars Moved to Mondays

2011-01-19T11:46:00.001-08:00

I have changed the seminars to Monday evenings. The seminars will focus on practical skills, including report writing, public speaking, an in-depth workshop on graduate school application, designing and presenting a good PowerPoint, poster design and presentation/defense, grant writing and funding resources, and an ethics round table. All REU participants will be required to attend.

Stay Up-to-date with Facebook

2011-01-18T11:19:00.000-08:00

Our Facebook page can be found under Portland State REU. "Like" us for updates and great photos from past program years.

Online Application

2011-01-18T11:08:00.000-08:00

Some applicants have requested recommendations personally, but have not yet filled out the online application. I have received some stellar letters on behalf of students that I hope will soon apply. You may not leave any of the fields blank for the online application; if you have already requested recommendations, you may put your own email address in the field. Otherwise, a letter will be automatically generated asking your recommender for a letter. If this is the case, you can let your recommender know that he or she can disregard the message if a letter has already been sent.

Application Tips

2010-11-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

Our application process has been streamlined this year. Thanks to a former REU student, Joe Parks, we now have an online application. Students can fill out the form and attach their CV and other supporting documents electronically. There is no need to request official paper transcripts unless the student makes it to the first round of interviews.

Recommenders will be sent an auto-generated request that they send a letter of recommendation. It is a good idea to follow up with those who you have asked for a recommendation in case the email goes to their spam account or the address was mis-entered at the time of application. Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to reuga@pdx.edu

In your essays and/or cover letter, it is important to indicate your top three project choices. Project descriptions can be found here. This will make it much easier to ensure that students get placed in a lab where they will not only learn from the research, but enjoy the experience. Only one student will be assigned to each project, and not all projects will get a student.

Please be detailed about your housing needs. While we have opened up more available housing this year, we still do not have the budget to house all of the students in the program. For planning purposes, be aware that the stipend is paid in two chunks: half after four weeks, and half at the end of the program. It is important to consider your travel arrangements also. Will you be able to get to and from Portland for the program, or is travel assistance imperative?

If you have any specific questions about the application, they can be addressed to: reuga@pdx.edu

Earlier Deadline Set for Applications

2010-11-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

The application deadline for Summer 2011 REU at Portland State is February, 15, 2011. This will give students the opportunity to establish their summer plans earlier. I hope it will increase our pool of available applicants, since many students I contacted for an interview this April had already accepted other REU positions.

We will also offer fewer open positions this year. This is so that we can offer housing to more students. This will increase our applicant pool as well, since we will not be so dependent on finding applicants who already have a place to stay in the Portland area. However, this will make the program more competitive.

REU 2010 Participants Finalized

2010-05-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

Whew! Just today I received confirmation that our last student has been accepted into a mentor's lab. Thank you to all of those who applied. We had a fiercely competitive field this year with over 100 applicants. We also have a limited budget, so qualified candidates who reside in the area over the summer were given preference. Thank you all for your patience while this process was being completed.

Our REU will have eight women and five men participating this year, including two high school students sponsored by Saturday Academy. We have students from Ohio, Texas, California and Louisiana as well as Oregon representing seven local colleges and universities and four out-of-state institutions.

Training week has been scheduled along with our Wednesday seminars. Next up, I will be organizing our field trip. I hope to be able to take everyone to see electron microscopes in action at FEI and Intel. It's possible that we may also visit Nike and/or the research department at a local hospital.

New Seminars Added

2010-03-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Last year there were a series of ethics seminars incorporated into the REU. We will continue to retain this feature, but instead of one professor, I have invited four different speakers from the departments of Philosophy, Public Policy, Bioethics and University Studies. In addition to these ethics seminars, I will invite speakers from other schools and from local industry to speak to the group in these informal evening seminars. Topics will include: technical writing, applying for and retaining research funding and research careers in industry vs. academia. I am open to other suggestions.

2010 Projects Posted

2010-01-26T16:23:00.000-08:00

The projects have been posted on the website for this year's upcoming REU program at Portland State. These projects are important parts of larger research projects funded by the NSF, DOD, DOE, NASA, NIH and other federal and private funding agencies. All projects contain microscopy and microanalyses-related investigations with sustainability-driven objectives.

I encourage all prospective applicants to review the project overviews and indicate their preferences in the essay portion of the application.

2010 Dates

2010-01-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

Whew! The website is finally updated with the current application form in both .pdf and .doc formats. The program dates have been set for June 21st to August 14th this year. We are still waiting for our NSF renewal confirmation, so stay tuned.

2010 Application

2010-01-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

There is a glitch I am trying to work out with the link to the 2010 Application Form on the PSU REU website. If you are trying to access the form and cannot, please email me at reuga@pdx.edu and I will email the Word file to you. If you have already sent in/saved the 2009 application, have no fear: it is exactly the same except for the updated due date of April 2nd, 2010.

A new year, a new Program Assistant

2010-01-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

Greetings all, my name is Amy Jackson and I am the new Program Assistant for the Research Experience for Undergraduates program. While we are still awaiting NSF funding renewal, I encourage prospective participants to not delay sending in their applications. Information about this amazing program can be found at www.reu.pdx.edu. Please watch the site for updates including 2010 program information.

Summer Symposium Presentations Online

2009-09-02T11:58:00.001-07:00

In culmination of REU participants' hard work over the summer, students presented their studies and findings at the Research Experience for Undergraduates 9th Annual Summer Symposium.

Presentations are now posted online on the REU Participants page (http://www.reu.pdx.edu/Pages/participants.php)

REU Newsletter Now Online

2009-08-27T11:12:00.001-07:00

The Nanosecond, the REU Program's new quarterly newsletter, is now online! It can be found on the www.reu.pdx.edu site under "Publications" or by clicking here.

The newsletter is a place where you will find topical information to the REU program as well as your ongoing studies and research.

If you have an item you would like to see in The Nanosecond, please contact Jennifer Knutson at reuga@pdx.edu

REU on Facebook!

2009-08-26T16:15:00.001-07:00

The REU program at Portland State University has entered the 21st century and will be keeping everyone up to speed via social networking.

To that end: REU on Facebook!

▪▪ Come share your experiences and your published works
▪▪ I want to keep REU alumni in the loop with authorship and
publication announcements
▪▪ We'll feature available scholarships and academic
opportunities
▪▪ Profile team members for the REU family
▪▪ Provide information about upcoming events

Any thoughts and ideas you have about how to make this useful would be much appreciated. And if I've made any glaring errors, that info would be helpful, too.
Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Portland-OR/Portland-State-REU-Program/123546543907 or find it by searching "Portland State REU Program" (let me know if that isn't working).

Looking forward to seeing you online!

A Summer of Science and Friendship

2009-08-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

REU Poem: A Summer of Science and Friendship
By Bradford Paik

This summer was exciting; it's hard to say in words,
What it's like to spend all day, hanging out with nerds.

Our inner geeks took flight, "MOSS SPERM AND SEM!"
If my memories were rocks, they would surely be all gems ( moss covered gems).

And please remember to be safe with sodium and water,
Else your parents will have to say, they have no son or daughter.

Our studies were diverse: computers to biology,
And thanks to Dr. Flower, we can all act ethically.

I've learned a lot of science and am scared of nanobots,
A genius, I will sound like when I reference quantum dots.

Nerds or not, through this program, we proved to be the best,
We're off the scale and charts in a coolness/science test.

This program was a blast and this last claim is so true,
In a lab, I'd work all day, if my lab mates all were you.

The Group: Unique, fun, & a little silly

2009-08-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

After seven weeks, participants are beginning to prepare for the final week of the REU program. Students will present their research at the summer symposium Friday, August 14.

It is clear that over the course of the summer students have not only enjoyed working in the lab but also each other. (One student has offered to write a poem about the experience...stay tuned!)

Welcome Jennifer Knutson, REU Program Assistant

2009-08-03T13:36:00.001-07:00

It is my honor to introduce Jennifer Knutson as the new REU program assistant. Jennifer began interning with the REU program this summer and has quickly proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the program and Dr. Jiao’s team.

Jennifer is highly experienced, holding positions with museums, extension services, and high-tech companies. With her many years of project management and technical writing experience, Jennifer will no doubt help lead the program in new and exciting directions. Jennifer is currently completing a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on technical writing. She will begin the master’s in writing program fall 2010.

Jennifer will officially start August 17 and can be reached at reuga@pdx.edu. Please welcome Jennifer Knutson to the REU program!

Field research to Bodega Bay

2009-07-31T08:08:00.001-07:00

REU participant Anne Phillip had a unique opportunity to travel to Bodega Bay, California to study invasive species with Dr. deRivera. For more information, see Anne's symposium presentation (posted after August 14) on the REU website.

In the news!

2009-07-23T08:09:00.001-07:00

Currently, the REU program is featured on the Portland State University homepage. See the "Summer Program" link. After nine years, this program has become invaluable to students at PSU and across the Pacific Northwest--it's the only one in the greater Portland area, serving four community colleges and eight small four-year colleges.

A day in the life

2009-07-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

REU participants waste no time getting started. Immediately following training week, students disperse across campus and being working on their project. After visiting students in the lab, it is clear that each project is different. One student is testing metals used to make airplanes, while another student is studying invasive crab along the Oregon and California coasts. Though each project is different, all are united under the theme of microscopy and microanalysis techniques. Over the last five weeks, participants have learned how to use high-tech electron microscopy equipment and applied that knowledge to their projects. Enjoy the pictures of students hard at work!

Field trip to FEI Company

2009-07-08T17:15:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from yesterday's field trip to FEI Company in Hillsboro, Oregon. Many thanks to Craig Henry and staff for hosting REU students.

REU off to a great start

2009-07-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Training week concluded last Friday, June 26 with a pizza lunch. Students have had many opportunities to get to know one another, especially during the afternoon training sessions. The microscopes are usually in small rooms, which makes the learning experience a true group effort. In the morning, participants listened to lectures about lab safety, how to more efficiently go about doing article and database research from PSU's engineering librarian, and about the industry from a microscopist who works at Intel. These lectures complimented presentations from Dr. Jiao, Dr. Sanchez, and Micah Eastman about the SEM and FIB.

This week, REU students are actively participating in the lab with their faculty mentors. One student is even traveling to northern California next week to do field research. Check back often for updates over the next eight weeks. If you are interested reading more about what REU participants are doing, check the Participants page on the REU website.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Note

2009-06-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

You do not need to do any preparatory work over the weekend. This means that you do not need to read the presentations or journal articles available online. I will explain all about group meetings, the schedule, program requirements, etc. Just enjoy the weekend, and I look forward to meeting you all Monday!

Remember: If you have ANY questions, feel free to call me over the weekend. Like I said, I will not be around my computer and email this weekend.

Working on your fitness?

2009-06-15T14:32:00.001-07:00

There are a couple of options available to those of you who want to work out while in and around Portland State University. The Peter Scott Center is part of campus recreation. There is a fee to use this facility.

Another option is right down the street at 24 Hour Fitness. This facility is a short walk away from campus. The website does offer a free seven day trial, but I believe the dues to join are fairly expensive.

Portland also offers a number of running trails in the downtown area. If you are interested, contact me and I will post more information.

Transportation options

2009-06-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

As a dedicated TriMet rider, I thought I would pass along some helpful information about commuting to campus.

The trip planner is extremely helpful, but keep in mind that you can modify the search to specify walking distance, modes of transportation (bus, MAX, Streetcar, WES Commuter Rail), etc. It does cost money to use public transportation, but the fares are reasonable. Do NOT try to ride without purchasing a pass; they will check for tickets at random stations, and it is really embarrassing (not from experience) when the officer escorts someone off the train.

If you are driving to campus, you may purchase a parking pass at the Transportation and Parking Services office in Neuberger Hall. I'm not sure what rate they will charge REU participants, but they have a list of who is participating this year as well as a letter from me. If you have any trouble, let me know. Most likely, you will want to park in Parking Structure 3, as it is the closest to Science Buildings 1 & 2.

I would be happy to investigate commuting options for you. Send me an email anytime!

Introducing REU intern

2009-06-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

This summer, the REU program will have an extra set of hands. Jennifer Knutson is an undergraduate student who is interested in pursuing a master's in technical writing in the very near future. She is highly skilled at document design, editing, and program management. Jennifer has already taught members of Dr. Jiao's lab how to use Adobe Suite software to improve conference posters.

As part of her internship, Jennifer will participate in select training week activities and complete tasks assigned by the REU program assistant. We are very grateful for her enthusiasm and time. Welcome!

Final preparations

2009-05-29T12:10:00.001-07:00

As training week approaches, I am busy scheduling rooms for training week and the symposium, booking and confirming speakers, and reserving vans for the field trip. In the coming weeks, I will post lecture notes for both SEM and FIB. It might be helpful to review them but not necessary.

REU Participants: Please let me know if you have any questions (transportation, stipends, schedule, etc.).

Even if you are not a 2009 REU participant, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

Have a great weekend! The Rose Festival is underway: Check out all the great activities.

Four NEW mentors join program

2009-05-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Four new faculty mentors joined our program this year. Information about the new projects are highlighted in this week's post. These mentors will work with the ten students participating in this year's REU program. Additionally, two Saturday Academy students involved with the ASE program and one Johnson Scholar from Oregon State University will join REU students.

Professor Sarah Eppley
Ecology and evolution of angiosperms and bryophytes: Current research is centered on investigating 1) the ecological consequences of combined versus separate sexes and sex ratio variation in plants and 2) the interactions between environmental stress and breeding systems in the survival and maintenance of plant populations. Understanding the role of stress, particularly extreme environmental stress, in the ecology and evolution of plant species is critical to our ability to protect rare and endangered plant species and to predict the impacts of climate change on plant communities. Researchers in the lab are using an array of ecological, physiological, and molecular tools to address questions in these areas.

Professor Andrea Goforth
Research in the Goforth laboratory is directed toward the advancement of the field of bionanotechnology by the development of novel, nanometer sized inorganic imaging agents. The primary research efforts are three-fold: 1) optimization of the inorganic core structure for maximal imaging property (e.g., maximal quantum yield and suitable emission characteristics for fluorescence imaging, maximal magnetic moment for magnetic resonance imaging, or maximal X-ray scattering power for computed tomography X-ray imaging), 2) development of surface-tailored inorganic particles for specific targeting and imaging of biological processes, and 3) synthesis of less toxic imaging agents for non-invasive in vivo imaging. Current research efforts are focused on development of fluorescent silicon nanoparticles and bimodal fluorescent/magnetic nanoparticle systems targeted to the cell surface protein 4 1 integrin, believed to be involved in cell-cell adhesion interactions in the formation of new blood vessels and in cancer metathesis.

Professor Rajendra Solanki
Biosensor Research: Dr. Solanki's group has a broad program on developming electrical sensors to detect a wide range of bio-molecules that are responsible for diseases ranging from Celiac to certain kinds of cancer. The REU student will be assigned to engineer DNA (aptamers) or proteins (antibodies) to recognize the presence of a target analyte responsible for one of our target diseases. This work will involve handling of bio-molecules and interfacing them with the sensor, characterization of bio-molecular activity using standard techniques such as ELISA and finally testing the response of the electrical bio-sensor.

Professor Catherine deRivera
Limits to and consequences of biological invasions and how ecological factors affect mating behaviors and reproductive success: She also is interested in the intersection between behavior and invasions. For example, she plans to test whether successful non-native species are more behaviorally plastic than their less successful counterparts or native species. Her research projects, discussed here, can be further developed in multiple ways, and aspects of each are ideal for local research with students.

Application process closed

2009-05-06T07:55:00.001-07:00

NOTE: This post serves as official notification that the 2009 REU program at Portland State has selected and received confirmation from all students selected to participate.

We received over 150 applications this year and only accept eight to twelve students on average. Please check back fall 2009 for information about the 2010 program. We apologize for not being able to notify each student individually, but due to the large number of applications, we believe posting up-to-date information about the application process better serves all applicants.

Thank you for your interest in our program. We look forward to receiving your application next year!

Notice

2009-05-01T10:45:00.001-07:00

NOTE: All students who were accepted into the 2009 REU program have been notified. Due to the large number of applications, this post serves as an official notice that the application process is now complete.

I would like to thank everyone for their interest in our program. We received over 150 applications this year. Everyone exemplified extreme motivation and talent, which made the review process very difficult.

After weeks of review, we have selected and received acceptance notifications from nearly all students offered. We are in the process of recruiting an additional faculty mentor in an attempt to serve more students. Check back next week about this opportunity.

Thank you again for all your effort. Keep checking the website and blog for updated information. Please consider applying again next year. Information about the 2010 program will be posted fall 2009. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Acceptance notifications cont.

2009-04-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

As promised on the website, we will notify students by Friday, May 1. Once all offers are accepted, I will post to the blog that the application process is closed. If in the next week you have more specific questions, don't hesitate to drop me an email (reuga@pdx.edu). Remember, I am only on campus Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays so give me a few hours to respond.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Acceptance notification

2009-04-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Many students are beginning to inquire about the status of their application. As the website (www.reu.pdx.edu) mentions, notifications will be sent no later than May 1. I predict that I will be able to notify students much sooner than that, perhaps by next Friday, April 24 (target date ONLY).

Here is how the process will work:

(1) I will send an acceptance notification via email;
(2) Those students will need to confirm their interest in the program;
(3) Once all selected participants have confirmed their interest, I will post to the blog that the application process is complete.

Again, thank you so much for your interest in the program. Everyone who applied did an excellent job preparing their materials. Do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. I will try to respond in a timely manner.

My schedule

2009-04-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

I have received quite a number of emails recently asking about applications. Because I am a graduate assistant, I only work 20 hours per week. I will respond to each request, but it may take me a few days, as I am only on campus Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Thanks for your patience!

Applications DUE TODAY

2009-04-03T15:51:00.001-07:00

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their interest in the REU program at Portland State. You all are extremely talented and motivated students!

Before I left the office today, I answered all emails requesting information. If you are wondering about your application, please do not hesitate to email me. I am more than happy to make sure that I have received all required materials: reuga@pdx.edu.

The review process will begin Monday, April 6. As soon as decisions are made, I will send out notices.

Thank you again for your interest.

Spring break

2009-03-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

FYI

I will be out of the office March 20 to March 30. I will answer emails first thing Tuesday, March 31.

Reminder emails sent today

2009-03-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

Today I sent emails to those of you missing either a letter of recommendation or transcript using the email you provided on the application. Again, if you would like to check on the status of your application materials, please email me and I would be happy to get that information to you.

At this point, there are still a lot of letters of recommendation and transcripts waiting for the application to arrive (application form, CV, and letter of interest). I can't remind you if I don't have your email address!

Questions/ Concerns: reuga@pdx.edu

Applications DUE April 3, 2009

2009-03-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

30 days until the deadline! Time is ticking!

Remember: All application materials must be received by April 3.

REU Application (available on the website)
Letter of Interest
CV
Official Transcripts
2 Letters of Recommendation

If you are unsure whether or not we have received all your information, send me an email (reuga@pdx.edu) and I will be happy to check for you.

Feedback from 2008 participants

2009-02-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

It was when being led into Dr. Sánchez’s lab for the first time that things began to drop into place. We were in a laboratory of a professor who not only intimately understood the concepts of microscopy but actually built his own instruments. In this environment we were able to see several types of microscopes and learn their respective functions and eccentricities; it is this hands-on approach that causes concepts to lodge themselves in the mind and to subsequently make one comfortable. (student from Portland Community College)

I also had the opportunity to improve my interpersonal skills by interacting with all kinds of people during my stay in Portland. Over the course of the summer, I interacted with not only those people within Dr. Stedman’s lab—all of whom were very welcoming and more than willing to help out if I had questions—but also people from other labs, including the geology labs and the labs of Dr. Jiao, Dr. Popa, and Dr. Pan. Because of this, I gained a new appreciation for how research is done in the lab. I realize now that by nature, research projects are often multidisciplinary, which requires that the researcher reach out to a vast variety of resources in order to gain the knowledge that he is in search of. (student from St. Mary's College of California)

If I thought I was motivated to achieve a career in the scientific field before I joined this program, then I am truly dedicated now…Coming in to this program, I had almost made up my mind that an undergraduate degree would be enough for me, but now I don’t think that is the case. I see a future of many more years of education. (student from Mt. Hood Community College)

I think the most important lessons that I learned this summer were not the specifics of my project, but the day to day aspects involved in research. The constant pressure to produce results, get published, and secure funding definitely had a large impact on me. This is something that I had no idea about. I also learned that research involves heavy literature searches, and then is a long process of trial and error. (student from Oregon State University)

Tips for applying

2009-02-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

So far I am very excited by the number of highly-talented students applying this year. I have received applications from all across the country.

As you may have read on the website, you can either email or snail mail your application materials. I cannot stress how convenient it is to receive as much of the application at one time as possible, namely the application form, CV, and letter of interest. Most people forget the letter of interest.

If you choose to snail mail your packet, which is perfectly acceptable, go ahead and wait until you have all the materials assembled: transcript, letters of recommendation, application, CV, and letter of interest.

Remember: You still have plenty of time to send in your materials. Application deadline is April 3, 2009. Thank you for your interest!

What is REU?

2009-02-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

PSU's REU program provides opportunities for undergraduate students--with an emphasis on underrepresented minorities and females--to be involved in research projects with the faculty at PSU. It is expected that this special program will not only allow students to quickly engage in actual research work in a multidisciplinary environment, but will also train the students in using microscopy and microanalysis techniques for materials characterization. Ultimately, this will motivate students to pursue advanced degrees and research careers in science and engineering areas.

The program consists of 8 weeks of full-time (40 hours per week) research, a week long training seminar at the beginning of the program, and ethics seminars throughout the course of the summer. There are regular group meetings every two weeks for participants to connect with one another and share their research as well as a field trip to a local high-tech company like FEI Company or Intel. Lastly, participants will give a formal presentation at the end of the summer in the REU Summer Symposium.