STUDENT RESEARCH, AWARDS, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY MAJORS

The Department of Biology encourages student involvement in research, offers scholarships and senior awards, recognizes academic achievement with invitations to Beta Beta Beta membership, and provides support for students to participate in off-campus experiences (e.g., research, coursework).

1. Research

2. Biology Scholarships

3. Senior Awards

4. Beta Beta Beta Honor Society

5. Off-Campus Experiences

1. RESEARCH

Students are encouraged to join faculty in conducting research. Financial support for students is often available through grants awarded to members of our faculty. In addition, the recently-established WPUNJ Student Undergraduate Research Program, supported by the Office of the Provost, provides monetary support and recognition to students pursuing independent research.

Students are also encouraged to conduct independent research projects under the supervision of a member of our biology faculty. Course credit may be obtained if the requirements are met. The requirements and guidelines for independent projects help students determine which path is most appropriate for their career goals. Choices include: Independent Reading (BIO 497), Field Experience (BIO 498), and Independent Study (BIO 499). You may hear members of the biology faculty refer to Field Experience as the Internship course. Members of the Biology Department Independent Study Committee can be contacted for clarification of guidelines and application forms.

Information about Graduate Independent Study (BIO 700) and Graduate Independent Reading (BIO 701) can be obtained from our graduate coordinator, Dr. Robert Chesney.

2. BIOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS

Improving Student Success in Biology and Biotechnology Scholarship

New Priority Deadline: March 3, 2008

Applications after that date may be accepted based on availability of funds

Ten to twelve scholarships made available by a generous grant from the National Science Foundation. Scholarship awards will vary based on financial need, with a maximum award of $9,000, and will be given each year to full-time William Paterson University students pursuing a B.S. in Biology or Biotechnology.

To be eligible for an ISSBB Scholarship, you must:

• Be eligible for and plan to enroll or continue full time in either the Biology or Biotechnology B.S. degree program at William Paterson University
• Provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen, national, alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or an alien classified as a refugee at the time of application
• Complete and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Financial Aid Office.
• Provide two letters of recommendation – one of which must be from a science, math or technology instructor
• Provide a personal statement outlining goals, financial need, education plans and career objectives.

For more information, contact Dr. Eileen Gardner, Chair-Biology Department (973) 720-3441 or download a scholarship application.

C. Kent Warner Scholarship

The C. Kent Warner Scholarships (maximum of 5 recipients per year at $1,000 each) are presented to full-time Biology and Biotechnology undergraduate students each spring. Applications are in the Department office and the deadline is typically mid-March. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required at time of application. Awardees may re-apply during the next or following years if they meet eligibility requirements.

Monroe Spivak Fellowship

The Monroe Spivak Fellowship ($4,000) is awarded to a new or returning full-time graduate student who intends to pursue a career in Ecology. Applications must include undergraduate transcripts and a statement that addresses the student's career goals in Ecology. The Spivak Fellowship is awarded during fall semester.

3. SENIOR AWARDS

Several awards are presented to outstanding seniors each spring at a special end-of-the-year reception for Biology and Biotechnology students and their families. Selection is based on GPA and extracurricular activities including service to the department.

4. BETA BETA BETA HONOR SOCIETY

Membership in the nationally-recognized Biology Honorary Society, Beta Beta Beta, is based on academic excellence. Invitations to membership in our Chi Rho Chapter are extended to primarily juniors and seniors. The initiation ceremony is traditionally held during the end-of-the-year reception for students and their families. Dr. Chesney (ChesneyR@wpunj.edu) is the BBB advisor.

5. OFF-CAMPUS EXPERIENCES

The Department of Biology offers financial and logistical support for placement of our undergraduate students in summer programs offered in the United States and abroad. Opportunities range from highly-competitive, federally-supported research programs to summer courses, to placement with a researcher in the student's area of interest. University credit may be earned, depending on the experience. Beginning with a grant from the Provost's Office in 1997, we have financially supported minority and economically disadvantaged undergraduate Biology and Biotechnology majors to take part in off-campus summer courses, field work, and laboratory-based research. Locations have included: Morris County Medical Examiner's Office, University of Iowa, Tortuguero National Park (Costa Rica), New Jersey State Aquarium, Appledore Island (Maine), University of Colorado, Southwestern Research Station (Arizona), and Australia (Brisbane). Click here for a link to current research opportunities or contact Dr. Leonard (LeonardC@wpunj.edu) or Dr. Risley (RisleyL@wpunj.edu) for more details.