Overview

A unique feature of the TAMS experience is the opportunity to work in a research lab or on a research project either with a professor here on campus, at a medical facility such as M.D. Anderson or Presbyterian Hospitals, at the Johnson Space Center (NASA) in Houston, MIT, Caltech, a medical school such as UT Medical Branch in Galveston or UT-Southwestern, etc. Students are required to write a five page technical report about their work in these research projects, and occasionally are able to publish their work in a research journal. Students learn not only about what they would like to pursue as a career but also what they may wish not to pursue. Depending on budget constraints, the TAMS Academic Office can provide some scholarship support for students who choose to pursue summer research projects. The research experience provides an excellent source of information for the preparation of papers and essays that are part of the scholarship and university application process.

Summer Research Scholarships

Pending the availability of funding for TAMS Summer Research Scholarships, many students are awarded substantial financial support for participating in research projects at a variety of sites. Awards are based also on GPA, disciplinary reports, participation in TAMS science and mathematics clubs, and community service activities. Generally about twice as many students apply for these scholarships as we have funds; hence the competition is very keen. Students are encouraged to begin early in the Junior year to get involved in searching for research areas and scientists, here on campus and elsewhere, making contacts, and getting started in work that matches their interests.

Where do I look?

• Search web sites – use a search engine like “Google” and type in various scientific words and phrases that will lead you to web pages of your interests
• For campus research opportunities, go to the departmental web sites, look at the faculty list, link to the faculty home pages which usually show the faculty member’s research interests, a list of their publications, and e-mail address, etc.
• Contact the faculty member by e-mail and ask for an interview – identify large blocks of time that you would be available and let them choose from that.
• Talk with Seniors and other Juniors who may have worked on research projects.
• Ask your parents or persons you know who may have information.

What about getting paid?

• You do not have to get paid for working with a research scientist on a research project!! The experience gained and the privilege of working closely with a scientist will be invaluable.
• As noted above, pending the availability of funding, TAMS has always awarded Summer Research Scholarships.
• The Application Form is given below.
• Currently, a TAMS Summer Research Scholarship is $2,500.
• The TAMS Directors serve as a committee to select the recipients of the scholarships.
• Accepting a TAMS Summer Research Scholarship requires 8 consecutive weeks of full-time participation. Recipients are required to register for at least three credit hours over the ten week summer term and are required to pay for the registration from the scholarship.

New Deadline, February 15, 2008!                                                             TAMS Summer Research Scholarship Application