Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Research First Program
Applications are now open for Summer 2024.
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at LVC are happy to offer Research First, a program that provides opportunities for incoming LVC freshmen to work with college faculty/student research teams during the summer before their freshman year of college. This 40 hours per week immersion experience in scientific research provides opportunities to learn many new laboratory techniques. Based on high school records and experience, we will select a limited number of incoming LVC freshmen for this program.
As a Research First student, you will become involved in challenging and interesting research areas that include:
- developing biological catalysts for electrochemical sensing and energy production
- synthesizing new types of metal complexing agents that can scavenge toxic metals from wastewater streams,
- finding new techniques for synthesizing peptides for pharmaceutical applications,
- mapping the critical sites on a key target enzyme for use in chemotherapy and anti-rejection drugs, and
- developing new nanocatalysts that can destroy environmentally-toxic organic compounds
- develop novel biosensors
- investigate the structure and function of enzymes
We will teach you everything you need to know to do meaningful research in the laboratory. You will learn much and get to know science students and faculty at LVC, all before you begin college in the fall!
If you match the profile given below, we encourage you to apply for Research First. In our selection process for this program, we will be looking for students who:
- Will graduate in the top 20% of their class
- Have strong high school backgrounds in science and mathematics
- Scored 1200 or greater combined on the SAT math and verbal exams (SAT optional)
- Have an innate sense of curiosity and a genuine interest in discovery research
During Research First, you can spend up to four full weeks during June and July working on discovery research in one of our groups, receive room and board while staying at the College, and receive a weekly stipend. Acceptances are made on a rolling basis.
Questions? Contact Dr. Michelle Rasmussen at 717-867-6643 or rasmusse@lvc.edu.