AS(A)P Newsletter Article: Successful ASP Summer Research Fellowship Program Continues in 2022 by Brian Murphy, PhD and Christine Salomon PhD
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The American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) is one of the leading societies in the world devoted to the field of “natural products”, and encompasses a broad array of topics (chemistry, biology, microbiology, ecology, drug discovery) that are used as tools to study living systems in the natural world. We are working to address inequities that face marginalized communities in the pursuit of graduate school and professional careers in the natural product sciences.
Towards this goal the ASP offers a 2.5 month summer research fellowship to support students in lab-based research under the supervision of an ASP faculty mentor. ASP summer research fellows will receive a total stipend of $5,000 for the summer period, and will participate not only in lab research, but also in a series of weekly training and professional development workshops led by a team of ASP faculty leaders. We expect to support up to six summer research fellows each year. Application instructions are provided below.
Eligibility. ASP summer research fellowships are open to students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or Latinx (BIL). Students should be enrolled in an undergraduate program (full-time status preferred) at a college or university in the United States (including Puerto Rico and other US territories), and be majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a biomedical science field. The student must agree to devote 40 hours per week to research for 2.5 months. We recognize the interconnectedness of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, and will seek particularly to support applicants who may be disadvantaged as a result of intersectionality; for example BIL students who are also women, economically disadvantaged, or LGBTQIA+.
1. Choose a Mentor
We assembled a list of potential mentors and their research areas, though applicants are not required to select their mentor from this list: (http://www.pharmacognosy.us/natural-product-programs-and-research/). Mentors must be ASP members (note: free membership is offered to all students and faculty at majority minority serving institutions). The fellowship stipend does not include additional funds for travel, so please consider this when selecting a mentor; it is highly recommended to pick a local mentor. The prospective mentor must agree to host you in lab for a summer if the application is successful. The mentor is responsible for providing a statement of support as part of your application (see below).
We encourage the student to reach out to the mentor. Part of your message to the potential mentor could read: “The American Society of Pharmacognosy is sponsoring a summer research fellowship program for Black, Indigenous, and Latinx students to engage in research in the natural product sciences (the ASP would provide my full summer salary). A link to program details is here. [State why you are interested in their potential research program]. Would you consider sponsoring my application for a position in your laboratory this summer? A brief mentor statement is required. Additionally, I would be happy to meet with you prior to your sponsorship to discuss your research and my potential fit in your program.”
If you do not feel comfortable making first contact with a potential mentor, or if you would like to apply to the program but are unable to identify a potential mentor, please reach out to aspsummerfellowship@pharmacognosy.us and will do our best to accommodate you.
2. Fill out ASP SRF application form - https://asph.memberclicks.net/asp-summer-fellowship-application-form
Answer all questions on the form.
3. Transcripts and Résumé
Include your undergraduate transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. The transcript(s) must be provided from any and all institutions of higher learning that you have attended since graduating high school. In addition to transcripts, please include a copy of your résumé. Have these ready to upload in the application form.
4. Mentor Statement - Mentor Statement Form. Please have your mentor follow the link and fill out their portion of the form including the mentor statement.
5. Letter(s) of Recommendation - https://asph.memberclicks.net/asp-srf-recommendation-form
We request up to two letters of recommendation written by a current and/or former professor/instructor or advisor. The letter should discuss your academic potential and convey your interest in the sciences and research. The letters must be written on official college/university letterhead and contain a signature. Please have the person recommending you submit the recommendation. You will receive an email confirmation with the link for them to submit.
6. Submission Deadline - Applications accepted between February 1 - March 1, 2022 - **DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 15TH**. Only complete applications will be considered.
If you have any questions, please reach out to aspsummerfellowship@pharmacognosy.us.
