IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence RI-INBRE is one of 23 INBRE networks nationwide that seeks to: Support and develop talented scientists Build a productive, multi-site program for collaborative research Our Network: URI, Brown University, Providence College, RIC, RWU, Salve Regina University, Bryant University and the CCRI Since 2001, it has received $43.3 million to fund: Faculty research in molecular toxicology, cell biology, & behavioral science Acquisition of state-of-the-art research equipment Student training in biomedical and behavioral science RI-INBRE established the SURF Program in 2001 to provide: A crucial steppingstone for RI undergraduate students to wanting to pursue a post-graduate degree or a career in the biomedical sciences Real-life research training experience Preparation for jobs in biotechnology and graduate degree programs in the sciences

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program 10-week long research project mentored by a participating RI-INBRE faculty member Goals: Provide a structured training environment for undergraduates True laboratory research experience Highlight career opportunities in the biomedical sciences A series of workshops also exposes them to general research issues and practices including: Scientific Ethics Biohazard safety Laboratory notebook keeping Presentation of research results Communicating science to the public Additional events include: Seminars on faculty research Strategies for applying to graduate school Recent Tours: Pfizer, Epivax, Newport Biodiesel

Since 2001, SURF has trained over 350 students Over 40 faculty request a student each summer For every student awarded a fellowship, at least 2 students are turned away for lack of funds For example, 16 Fellowships are available at URI and Brown each summer and the Program typically averages over 50 applications for those 16 Fellowships 84 INBRE SURF Fellowships were awarded in were awarded to RI residents Female-to-Male ratio was 50:34 10 were awarded to minority students Each Fellowship costs RI-INBRE $6,500 $3,500 stipend for each student $1,500 for research supplies $1,500 for housing and FICA costs SURF by the Numbers

Collaboration with RI EPSCoR RI EPSCoR established its SURF Program in 2008 to train students in the life sciences RI SURF Program: A collaboration between Rhode Island INBRE and EPSCoR Both programs work together to promote the RI SURF Program and to develop a common calendar of events each summer In 2010, we supported and trained 103 students (84 RI-INBRE and 19 RI EPSCoR) The collaboration culminates in the RI SURF Conference 3 rd Annual RI SURF Conference details: Held on Friday, July 30, 2010 Hosted by URI at The Ryan Center 275 attendees 94 posters presented Lieutenant Governor Roberts and Amgen’s Vinny Browning gave Keynote Addresses The 4 th Annual RI SURF Conference is tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 29, 2011!

Hired by locals companies such as Ethide Laboratories, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and Pfizer Accepted into various Graduate, Medical, and Professional Schools, including those at URI, Brown, and RIC Transferred from CCRI to 4-year schools such as URI, RIC, and RWU to continue their education and training in RI-INBRE laboratories Completed certificate or degree programs Where are they now? Quotes from Students “The experience greatly helped my future career, the training in lab procedures was very useful, and the research itself allowed me to experience heading my own project!” “The SURF program gave me confidence that I could pursue a career in research!”

“The SURF program helped me become more secure about my future career goals in the science field!”