Biology Scholars

Peter Blair, Lane McCaig, Amber Hill & Katie Kohlenberg;

Biology scholars for the Fall of 2009 (Scholar not pictured: Megan Ange)

In the Fall of 2009, the Department of Biology unveiled a new program intended to enhance the academic experience of its students as well as entice an even greater of number of young scientists to UAB. The Biology Scholars program premiered in Fall 2009 with five students with the intent to add an additional ten students each year.

This inaugural class of Biology Scholars is expected to spend their freshman year identifying possible areas of research, working a research lab rotation, attending monthly Scholars meetings along with the Department’s fall and spring seminar series, and then selecting a faculty mentor. In subsequent years, the Scholars will also take on up to ten weekly hours of research with their faculty mentor. All Scholars will be expected to present their research findings,either orally or in the form of a poster, at forums including local,regional and national scientific meetings, symposia, and colloquia.

Scholars will also be encouraged to submit research for consideration of publication in the undergraduate research journal Inquiro as well as peer-reviewed scientific journals.
In addition to all of these opportunities for research, Scholars will also be required to participate in a teaching experience as a laboratory assistant in the Introductory Biology Courses during their sophomore, junior and senior years. This teaching experience will provide the Biology Scholars with an opportunity to gain additional in-depth understanding of Biology while simultaneously developing their leadership skills.

Emulating the highly successful Chemistry Scholars program, the Biology Scholars program is expected to take off in the next few years. Already, the biology undergraduate program is the largest on the UAB campus, attracting students from around the State and country, and the Biology Scholars program will add to the recruitment success through this hot selling point for the motivated student.

Summary of selection criteria for the program

1. A student in biological sciences with a minimum cumulative High School GPA of 3.5 of greater, a score of 26 or greater on the ACT.
2. Demonstrate potential for a successful career in science and outstanding leadership in his/her chosen profession.
3. Written and oral communication skills as well as interpersonal skills.
4. Commitment to the research endeavor and the likelihood that it will be successfully carried out by the individual.