MSA Undergraduate Research Scholarships Announcement

Press Release for Fall 2004
Microscopy Society of America
Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program

With this year's call for applications the MSA Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program begins its 16th year providing funding for undergraduate research. To date over 81 projects covering a wide range of topics in the physical and biological sciences have received support through this program. Over the years nearly all the scholarship recipients have maintained a strong interest in imaging sciences and have gone on to graduate school, professional school, teaching, or industry positions.

The program, which is funded by MSA and by matching funds from MSA Sustaining Members, is able to support over 50% of applicants. The maximal award for the Undergraduate Scholarships is $3000 and helps to provide student stipends, supply costs, and limited travel expenses associated with the research. Additional support in the form of instrument use time, equipment purchases, etc. is generally provided by the student's supervisor and/or through the sponsoring institution. Abstracts reporting the research results, are prepared by scholarship awardees, and published in Microscopy and Microanalysis.

The program actively seeks sources of matching funds in order to maintain the favorable levels of support both in terms of the number of projects supported and the level of support for each. We are extremely grateful for the matching support provided by MSA sustaining members and individuals. Their support over the years has enabled the program to increase both the number of awards and the maximum amount of each award. For 2003 we are particularly grateful for support provided by Gatan and JEOL.

The MSA Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program is currently soliciting applications from students interested in conducting a research project which involves the use of any microscopy technique. Students should be sponsored by a member of MSA. The maximal award is $3000. The application deadline is Dec 31, 2003. Application forms and instructions are available on the MSA web site, http:///www.msa.microscopy.org. Applications can also be obtained from the MSA Business Office, businessoffice@msa.microscopy.org or call toll free at (800) 538-3672.

If you have any questions or require additional information regarding the program please contact:

Dr. Ralph Albrecht, University of Wisconsin
1675 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706
(608) 263-3952 or 263-4162; (608) 262-5157 FAX;
albrecht@ahabs.wisc.edu

2003 awardees

Renee Lopez-Smith AA Microscopic study of fertilization in the fern Ceratopteris: the role of actin in gamete fusion.@ Southern Illinois University, Advisor: Karen Renzaglia

Brigit O=Donnell AEffect of vein pattern alteration on movement of turnip vein clearing virus.@ New Mexico State University, Advisor: Dr. Souuumitra Ghoshroy

Julie Takacs A Inhibition of bacterial invasion mechanisms using anti gC1q-R monoclonal antibody carbon nanotube probes.@ Franklin and Marshall College, Advisor: Barbara Panessa-Warren

Aurelie Thuaire ACharacterization of nanocomposites using electron microscopy.@ McGill University, Advisor: Raynald Gauvin

Microscopy Society of America
Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program

Microscopy Society of America (MSA) scholarships for undergraduate research are intended to foster the educational and research potential of full-time undergraduate students interested in pursuing microscopy as a career or major research tool. Applications for research involving any area of microscopy are suitable for the program. The maximum award is $3,000.

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students. Research must be completed prior to graduation.* Applicants must have achieved junior or senior standing by the time the work is initiated.
Scholarship funds must be expended within a designated period not to exceed one year from the award date.
Applicants may receive only one scholarship.
Applications for research to be performed at an institution other than the one in which the applicant is enrolled are acceptable.
Successful applicants must agree to furnish MSA with an abstract for publication in the Society Journal, Microscopy and Microanalysis, describing the results and status of their project within two months after the conclusion of the award period, to acknowledge the award in all resulting publications, and to provide reprints of any other resulting publications to the Society. A brief note indicating the awardee's future plans is also requested at the time of abstract submission.

Completed applications, including all items listed on reverse side, must be received at the MSA Office by December 31 to be considered for funds to be awarded by the following April 1. Applicants are responsible for seeing that all required materials are sent to the Office in time and should check with the Office to make sure their applications are complete. Applications received after the deadline are not considered for funding.

*In special cases and by prior agreement funds may be used, in part, to support ongoing work which extends one additional summer semester past graduation.

A completed application consists of:

1. An original and four copies of a completed Application Form for MSA Undergraduate Research Scholarships
2. An original and four copies of a research proposal not more than three pages long. It should include, at least, an introduction, a section on methods, and a description and itemization of the study's goals.
3. An original and four copies of a budget indicating how the awarded funds will be expended. If the total cost of the project will exceed the requested amount, please specify the source(s) of additional funding.*
4. Two letters of reference from scientists or university faculty familiar with the applicant's capabilities. Four copies of each letter are requested, if possible.
5. A letter from the supervisor of the laboratory in which the proposed research will be performed, confirming that the applicant and research project are acceptable. Four copies of the letter are requested.
6. An original and four copies of the applicant's curriculum vitae, including details of education and/or training in microscopy and a brief statement of career goals.
7. A letter of recommendation from an MSA member (may be combined with one of the letters in Items 4 or 5 above). Four copies of the letter are requested, if possible.

Application materials, including the Application Form, research proposals and budgets, and supporting letters, should be sent to: MSA Undergraduate Research Scholarships, 230 E. Ohio St., Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3265.

For further information contact:

Dr. Ralph Albrecht
Animal Sciences
Univ. of Wisconsin
1675 Observatory Dr.
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: 608-263-3952/4162
Fax: 608-262-5157
E-mail: albrecht@ahabs.wisc.edu

*MSA scholarship funds are generally approved for student stipends, supplies, and occasionally for limited travel essential to proposed studies. Fees for use of instruments, extensive travel, or purchase of/or contribution toward purchase of, laboratory equipment are generally considered to be part of the institutional and/or advisor's commitment to the research project.

MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA
Application Form for
Undergraduate Research Scholarships

Read the "Regulations and Requirements" carefully. All application materials, including this form (both sides), original and four copies of a research proposal and budget, your curriculum vitae, and all supporting letters, must be received at the MSA Office by December 31 in order to be considered for funding next year. Send all materials to MSA Undergraduate Research Scholarships, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3265. Phone 312.644.1527; toll-free 800.538.3672; fax 312.644.8557.

Name:

Date of birth:

Present address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Permanent address (if different from above):

City:

State:

Zip:

Daytime phone: ( )

Fax: ( )

University:

Date of graduation:

Title of proposed research:

Site where research will be done:

Amount of funding requested from MSA: $

Racial/Ethnic background (optional):

Name, address, and phone of two scientists or faculty who are providing letters of reference:

1.

2.

Name, address, and phone of research supervisor who is providing a supporting letter:

Please type a brief statement on why you chose your major and describing your career objectives:

I certify that I am a full-time undergraduate student and that all information provided in this application is true to the best of my knowledge. If this application is successful, I agree to observe and abide by all conditions specified in the "Regulations and Requirements".

Signature of applicant:

Date:

The MSA Undergraduate Research Scholarship Program is currently solicting applications from students interested in conducting a research project which involves the use of any microscopy technique. Students should be sponsored by a member of MSA. The maximal award is $3000. The application deadline is Dec 31 of each year. Applications can be obtained from the MSA Business Office, businessoffice@msa.microscopy.org or call toll free at (800) 538-3672.

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