Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's Undegraduate Research Program

Each year, one Steamboat Scholar is selected from the incoming class of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's Undergraduate Research Program.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is a private, non-profit basic research and educational institution where over 400 scientists conduct groundbreaking research in cancer, neurobiology, plant genetics, and bioinformatics. Established more than a century ago, CSHL is today recognized internationally for its educational activities, including an extensive program of scientific meetings and courses that attracts more than 8,000 scientists to the campus each year. Its Watson School of Biological Sciences – named for Nobel laureate Dr. James D. Watson – offers an innovative Ph.D. program for a small group of exceptional students.

Established in 1959, Cold Spring Harbor's Undergraduate Research Program (URP) provides one of the few places in the world where young people are instructed in the techniques of modern biology while becoming integrated members of a vibrant scientific community. Approximately 20-25 students from around the world are typically accepted to the ten-week program each summer. In 2009, CSHL received over 850 applications for those coveted spots. Students work with Laboratory staff on independent research projects in the mentor's field of expertise, specifically in cancer, neurobiology, structural biology, plant genetics, and computational biology.

Like all the URPs, the Steamboat Scholar attends a series of seminars and special events designed specifically for them by members of the Laboratory's senior staff. At the URP Symposium, held at the end of each summer, students present a summary of their research to their peers and advisors. Each URP also writes a final report, similar to a scientific abstract, to describe his or her project. In addition, URPs are encouraged to attend advanced postdoctoral courses at CSHL, organized by leading scientists from many countries. In these courses, undergraduate students have an unparalleled opportunity to learn the latest experimental techniques in different fields and to seek advice about their future schooling and research.

Important Dates

    URP Applications Due - TBD
    URP Notification - Late March
    Steamboat Application Due - Early April
    Finalist Interviews - Mid April
    Scholar Notification - Late April