Summer Research Institute (SRI)

SRI 2021 is a joint venture between St. Thomas University College of Science, Technology, and Health, and Miami-Dade College STEM programs.

Apply now!

Start Date: May 31, 2021
End Date: Flexible upon completion of required hours: July 30-August 13, 2021

Time Commitment:
STU students, who are not international, must complete 115 hours. International students must complete 50-115 hours based on funding.

SRI 2021 is inviting interested and enthusiastic STU students to apply for an internship position. A Limited number of positions are available.

Student Interns will work both as Undergraduate Research Assistants and Peer Mentors.

Students will discuss their results via presentations (oral or poster) at a local undergraduate research symposium. Students and Mentors are encouraged to present work conducted during the SRI at upcoming regional conferences such as the Life Sciences South Florida Undergraduate Research Symposium. Students and Mentors are encouraged to publish their SRI work, for example in a conference paper.

Application requirements include:

  1. Overall GPA of 2.5 or better
  2. STEM major (biology, chemistry, computer science, math, pre-engineering
  3. Completed SRI Application, including a letter of intent explaining why and how the SRI will impact your professional development
  4. Positions are available for USA citizens, permanent residents, and international students

STU students will receive a $2,100 stipend for completing 115 hours of work. Estimated hourly pay: ~$18/hr. International students will be paid the same hourly rate, but the overall number of hours may vary based on funding.

STU students must be enrolled in a summer course to participate in the SRI. BSC2940 STEM Summer Research Internship is a 1 credit course option if a student doesn’t have another course to take to progress in their major.

Biology and chemistry projects will be primarily completed in-person on campus following COVID-10 safety protocols. Computer science and technology projects will be completed in a hybrid format with more opportunities for remote work.

 

2021 SRI Mentors

Dr. Alexis Tapanes-Castillo

Dr. Alexis Tapanes-Castillo

Projects:

  1. DNA, RNA, and protein analysis
  2. Cell culture
  3. Bioinformatics
  4. COVID-19 science
  5. Ecology

Dr. Alfred Cioffi

Dr. Alfred Cioffi

Project:

Management of urban forest

Dr. Maria Pina

Dr. Maria Pina

Projects:

  1. Extraction, analysis, and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants
  2. Chemistry of drugs used in COVID-19 treatments

Dr. Sean Mondesire

Dr. Sean Mondesire

Project:

Data analytics with a focus on applications to social media

Summer Research Institute Application

    All fields are required
    Race/Ethnicity

    Information does not affect eligibility. It is used to document demographics. Check all that apply.
    Mentors of Choice:
    Pick two mentors you would like to work with. Rank them in order. We will try to accommodate you as best we can.

    Applications may also be submitted via email. Click here to download the application. To submit your application via email, or if you have questions concerning the SRI, contact SRI Director Dr. Alexis Tapanes-Castillo at atapanes-castillo@stu.edu by April 23, 2021.

    Program subject to change. Last updated April 16, 2021.