REU Site: Control of Gene Expression for Biological Effect

This REU site award to Boston University, Boston, MA, will support the training of 10 students for ten weeks during the summers of 2026-2028. Students will learn how scientific research in Biology is conducted, and many trainees will present the results of their work at scientific conferences or be included on scientific publications. The program will provide advanced scientific training to undergraduate researchers and enhance the biological research of faculty members at Boston University. A primary benefit to society is that the program will provide early career training in cellular and molecular biology, leading to an enhanced US workforce in key areas of science. Assessment of this program will be done through program surveys, exit interviews, and career tracking after completion of the program. Students should apply to the REU site using NSF ETAP (Education and Training Application: https://etap.nsf.gov). Student success will be assessed by scientific publications, further training in graduate school, and career outcomes. The training students will receive is aligned with NSF priorities in Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology. The main objectives of this REU program are to 1) provide students with a research experience that focuses on modern biological approaches in the area of gene regulation for the control of biological processes; 2) train students in research methods, ethics, and scientific culture; and 3) contribute to scientific expertise in the US by giving experiences and knowledge that can enable students to pursue molecular biology-related STEM careers. Students will be matched to research teams consisting of a faculty mentor and a graduate student. Close monitoring of each student’s progress will enhance the likelihood that a student becomes participatory and independent. Students will give three oral scientific presentations during the summer and will likely return to present their research at BU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. An understanding of how changes in gene expression lead to given biological outcomes is a key component of modern molecular biology, and is used in many biotechnology applications for the understanding of fundamental biological processes, normal and disease physiologies, as well as diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic developments. Sample projects may include studying changes in gene expression during development in model organisms, epigenetic and gene network changes in the control of gene expression, and AI-based approaches to understanding the activity of gene regulatory proteins. 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. NSF Award ID: 2547457 | Program: 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Thomas Gilmore | Institution: Trustees of Boston University, BOSTON, MA | Award Amount: $469,538 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2547457 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2547457.html