College receives grant for collaborative undergraduate biology and chemistry research

NEW PALTZ – The biology and chemistry departments at the State University of New York at New Paltz received a Merck/American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2009 Undergraduate Science Research Program Award.

The award provides $60,000 ($20,000 per year over three years) for joint use by the biology and chemistry departments. New Paltz was one of 14 institutions from across the country to receive the award this year.

The goal of the program is to promote interdisciplinary research experience for undergraduate students studying chemistry and biology. The award provides stipends for four students at New Paltz to work full time during the summer on interdisciplinary projects under the guidance of two faculty members (one in chemistry and one in biology). The students will present the results of their research projects at a fall symposium.

Maureen Morrow, associate professor of biology at New Paltz and the grant’s principle investigator, said the college is thrilled to offer this kind of program to its students. “An undergraduate research experience opens doors to many other opportunities that will shape the students’ careers,” said Morrow.

“The award is a very prestigious honor for SUNY New Paltz because it is dedicated to undergraduate research – a core mission of our science departments,” said Daniel Jelski, dean of the School of Science and Engineering.

New Paltz students who are interested in participating can fill out an application available in the biology and chemistry offices or online at http://www.newpaltz.edu/research/usr_opportunities.html.