Explore BiGG Data REEU

A Research Experience for Undergraduates in Bioinformatics, Genetics, and Genomic (BiGG) Sciences

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The goal of the Explore BiGG Data REEU is to holistically prepare talented, diverse women for graduate programs and careers in bioinformatics, genetics and genomics. Because demand for bioinformatics capabilities throughout the food, agricultural, and natural resource sectors greatly outweighs current supply, there is a critical need for a diverse, talented workforce well trained in Bioinformatics, Genetics, and Genomic (BiGG) Sciences.

This program, a powerful training combination of bioinformatics with genetics and genomic data training, will provide opportunities to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and digital competency skills. Furthermore 21st Century skills training will provide Explore BiGG Data Fellows with the communication/leadership skills needed for future employment and/or higher education.

Students collecting pollen.
Program Overview
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Scholars doing field work
Research Team
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Scholars standing in front of Ayres Hall
Research Opportunities
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Student delivering poster presentation
Publications and Presentations
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Application
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Update: The 2024 application window has been extended until April 1, 2024!

Program dates: June 3 – July 26, 2024
Applications open: January 8, 2024
Applications close: March 17, 2024
April 1, 2024
Application review: We will review applications as they are received.
Interviews scheduled: Beginning February 1, 2024.
Award Notification: Awardees will be notified on a rolling basis.

Program highlights:

  • 8-week research training opportunity
  • Team composition
    • Undergraduate student in biology-based discipline
    • Undergraduate student in computer-based discipline
    • Faculty mentor engaged in biology-based research
    • Faculty mentor engaged in bioinformatics or computer-based research
    • Graduate student mentor skilled in bioinformatics, genomics, or genetics
  • Unique opportunities for hands-on research and computational training in R
  • Weekly academic programs and professional development training
  • $6,000 stipend
  • Travel costs reimbursed
  • Housing provided

Research Opportunities:

  • Transcriptome sequencing to unravel host-pathogen interactions between Cannabis sativa and hop latent viroid, the causal agent of dudding disease
  • Genomic investigation of Solenopsis daguerrei, a potential biological control agent of invasive fire ants
  • Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) microbiomics: An exotic disease vector of humans and livestock
  • Harnessing plant microbe interactions for sustainable ecosystem engineering

For more information, please visit our 2024 Research Opportunities page.

Who should apply?

  • Highly motivated women students interested in bioinformatics, genomics, or genetics
  • Women considering graduate school
  • Women undergraduates who will be attending a 4-year college or university in Fall 2024 to work toward the Bachelor’s degree.
  • Women who are in underrepresented groups, or those who are the first generation in their families to attend college are particularly encouraged to apply