Harvard-Amgen Scholars Program

• Undergraduate Research
• / Funding Opportunities

General Information

The Amgen Scholars Program at Harvard is a 10-week faculty-mentored residential summer research program for undergraduates in biotechnology. Amgen Scholars will be paired with world-renowned faculty mentors and a director supervisor (postdoctoral scholar or graduate student) in the laboratory, following an interview selection process. Faculty mentors will be selected from the following Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Departments and Institutes: Wyss Institute, Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB), Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), as well as faculty from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), the Division of Medical Sciences (DMS) at Harvard Medical School (HMS), and the Broad Institute. Throughout the duration of the program, Amgen Scholars will conduct hands-on, innovative research across biotechnology fields in cutting-edge facilities at Harvard. While participating in the program, Amgen Scholars will reside in one of Harvard’s historic River Houses as active members of Harvard’s Summer Undergraduate Research Village community. In addition to research, Amgen Scholars will participate in a number of intellectual, pre-professional development, and social activities throughout the program. Read student testimonials here.

Program Features   

• Pre-Professional Development
  •  Seminars and workshops on:
    • Effective Science Communication
    • Funding Opportunities for Graduate Education
    • Graduate School Preparation
    • Career Opportunities in Academia and Industry
    • Introduction to Entrepreneurship   
• Scholarly Development
  • Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series
  • Biotechnology Journal Club
  • Research Integrity Training
  • Oral Presentation
  • Biotechnology Symposium in Los Angeles, CA sponsored by the Amgen Foundation
• Social Engagement Activities
  • Exploring Boston & Cambridge
  • Networking with participants with the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village
  • Informal gatherings with graduate student mentors
  • Scholar-initiated events

Eligibility Guidelines

• U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents only
• Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories
• Sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies)
• A cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or above (on a 4.0 scale)
• An interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D
• The program especially encourages applications from individuals who come from groups traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields as well as individuals who come from rural or inner-city areas and individuals whose backgrounds and experiences would bring diversity to the biotechnology fields.

Program Requirements:

• Participate fully for 10 contiguous weeks in the Amgen Scholars Program. Amgen Scholars cannot take courses or hold a job throughout the duration of the program. Amgen Scholars must be present for the entirety of the program.
• Live on campus in one of Harvard’s historic River Houses in the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village.
• Participate fully in the laboratory culture of the research group, including lab meetings or other gatherings.
• Attend all required seminars, workshops, weekly activities, and social events.
• Attend the Amgen Scholars National Symposium in July at UCLA.
• Present summer research project at final oral presentation.
• Complete pre- and post-program surveys.

Application Details

• 2 letters of recommendation
• Essay: chosen research project, preparation, academic/professional goals, contribution to Amgen Scholar community
• Transcript
• Resume

More detailed descriptions of the application materials as well as links to the application portal can be found on the program website.

The selection process is quite thorough and is comprised of three steps: the first step examines basic eligibility; the second step is focused more thoroughly on specific research interests and academic experiences and preparation for research endeavors; and the third step includes Skype/Zoom interviews of finalists prior to final selection of the Harvard-Amgen Scholars. All applicants will be notified of the selection results after interviews are completed, starting the first week of March.

Details:

Research Offering Type

Independent Research, Internship, Research Assistant

Location

USA

Undergraduate School

College, Engineering, LPS, Nursing, Wharton

Source

External

Contact Information