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June 5, 2013

ULM hosts Howard Hughes Medical Institute student researchers through June 13

Each June, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, in partnership with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, offers a summer research program for high school students.

ULM has hosted the HHMI program since 2000, and the HHMI genomics study program since 2008.

At the time, ULM was one of only 12 universities nationwide to host an HHMI genomics study program.

According to Dr. Ann Findley, a professor of biology and director of ULM's HHMI program, "The pre-college Summer Research Program in Biology attracts high ability high school students from across the region. They gain experience in all aspects of research projects, from hypothesis formulation through data collection/analysis to conclusions. One of the program's key objectives is to familiarize students with diverse areas of molecular biology and bioinformatics and to introduce them to career opportunities in the fields of biomedical research and biotechnology," said Findley.

Forty-eight high school juniors and seniors were selected to participate in this year's program, which runs from June 2-13.

ULM has formed partnerships with the school systems of Catahoula Parish, Concordia Parish, East Carroll Parish, Monroe City, Morehouse Parish, Ouachita Parish and Richland Parish to ensure representation from the Delta parishes of northeast Louisiana, but students from any high school in Louisiana are encouraged to apply.

About ULM's and Howard Hughes Medical Institute partnership

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute supports a range of programs whose primary focus is to improve the science education of pre-college and undergraduate students throughout the United States.

These programs seek to make science and science activities more accessible to future scientists and to provide schools and students with links to the established scientific community.

Through its efforts, HHMI encourages both teachers and students to participate in hands-on training and to share what they learn with others.

ULM also participates in the HHMI-funded SEA Phage Hunters Program which introduces entering freshman biology majors to research through a bacteriophage genomics laboratory course sequence.

For more information about ULM's HHMI program, contact Findley at afindley@ulm.edu or 318-242-1817.

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