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.
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:
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or better
- STEM major (biology, chemistry, computer science, math, pre-engineering
- Completed SRI Application, including a letter of intent explaining why and how the SRI will impact your professional development
- 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
Projects:
- DNA, RNA, and protein analysis
- Cell culture
- Bioinformatics
- COVID-19 science
- Ecology
Dr. Alfred Cioffi
Project:
Management of urban forest
Dr. Maria Pina
Projects:
- Extraction, analysis, and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants
- Chemistry of drugs used in COVID-19 treatments
Dr. Sean Mondesire
Project:
Data analytics with a focus on applications to social media
Summer Research Institute Application
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.