REU Site: Molecular Basis of Cellular Phenotypes (MBCP)

This REU Site award to The Wistar Institute, an independent biomedical research institute located in Philadelphia, PA, supports the training of 10 students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2027–2029. The Molecular Basis of Cellular Phenotypes (MBCP) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site provides immersive summer research experiences that help students understand how genes, cells, and biological systems interact to shape the characteristics of living organisms. The program expands access to research opportunities for students with limited prior exposure to scientific research, particularly those attending institutions with limited research infrastructure. Participants receive laboratory training, engage in mentored research projects, and participate in professional development activities that strengthen scientific skills, confidence, and preparedness for graduate study. By introducing students to life science research and career pathways, the program contributes to the development of a highly skilled scientific workforce and advances national capacity for discovery and innovation in the biological sciences. Students will learn how research is conducted, and many will present the results of their work at scientific conferences. Students should apply to the REU Site through NSF ETAP (Education and Training Application: https://etap.nsf.gov). The training students will receive is aligned with the NSF priority in Biotechnology. The scientific focus of the MBCP REU Site is understanding how molecular, genetic, and cellular mechanisms influence biological phenotypes, a central challenge in modern biology. Students will participate in interdisciplinary research projects spanning molecular and cellular biology, immunology, virology, genome regulation, and related fields. Projects examine how genetic variation influences cellular behavior, how cells respond to environmental signals, and how molecular pathways contribute to the emergence of complex phenotypes. Participants begin with a two-week laboratory orientation that provides foundational training in research methods, scientific communication, laboratory safety, and responsible conduct of research, followed by an eight-week mentored research experience in a Wistar laboratory. Additional activities include scientific seminars, career exploration workshops, and mentoring through the Entering Research curriculum. Program effectiveness will be evaluated through assessment of research skills, scientific identity, educational aspirations, and career outcomes, contributing to evidence-based practices for undergraduate research training in STEM. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.