Karisa Bowersox wins National Science Foundation REU Scholarship

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Karisa Bowersox

LOCK HAVEN, PA (07/05/2011)(readMedia)-- Karisa M. Bowersox of Lewistown, Pa. is the recipient of a prestigious National Science Foundation REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Scholarship for summer research at The Pennsylvania State University. The Lock Haven University Biology/Chemistry major is spending the summer at Penn State doing research on gene mapping of corn maize using PCR-based genotyping using SSR.

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) scholarships provide opportunities for students to actively participate in a professor's research project. The NSF funds many of these programs which span the topics of natural sciences, mathematics, computer science and others.

The selection process is highly competitive. Universities offering REUs have reported anywhere from 200 to 400 applicants for approximately 10 positions. Each university has its own online application and most require two letters of recommendation along with a personal statement. Most schools allow any student to apply, although juniors are typically preferred since they will be applying to graduate school soon.

Dr. Indrajith C. Senevirathne, assistant professor of physics at LHU, commented on the importance of Ms. Bowersox's REU: "Karisa is a hard working student and a quick thinker. The prestigious NSF REU award at Penn State that she has received will enable her to pursue her future dreams and I have no doubt that she will have a very bright future."

Dr. Senevirathne also elaborated on Ms. Bowersox's research interests. "She has also been working with me to develop bacterial sensors to identify pathogenic bacteria in food and other environments where they might give rise to outbreaks. Also she is working on understanding biophysical aspects of cell walls of fungi spores. These applications may lead to future applications in green and bio-compatible materials."

REUs are valuable experiences for students who may be thinking about graduate school or entering a career in academic research. Most programs run for ten weeks in the summer. It is an opportunity to get a taste of what is involved in real academic research for those who have not experienced it. An REU is a way to fine tune laboratory skills such as making measurements and keeping a laboratory notebook. There are even programs abroad which offer opportunities to see different countries.

Those accepted to an REU are expected to be fully committed to the position and not be employed elsewhere or take summer courses. Most REU programs provide free on campus housing, a travel reimbursement, and a stipend somewhere between $2000 and $5000.

An overview of the NSF REU programs is online at http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5517&org=NSF