Programs 
Background and Mission
The Center for Study of Gene Structure and Function (Gene Center) is a consortium of researchers within Hunter College of The City University of New York — one of the largest public universities in the nation. It boasts unparalleled quality and diversity in its researchers on both the faculty and graduate student levels. At the heart of the Gene Center’s mission is an imperative to build unique collaborations among biologists, chemists, biopsychologists, biophysicists, and bioanthropologists; to recruit and equip outstanding faculty; to develop and share core research facilities; and to implement strategies for scientific networking.
The Gene Center encourages bright undergraduates, especially minorities, interested in pursuing a career in scientific research by hosting the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR). Established in 1994, the Gene Center designed SPUR to prepare qualified undergraduate students through mentorship from our experienced researchers and a rigorous program schedule.
The program partners with the Leadership Alliance and attracts a large number of minority students to the research activities of the Gene Center. The program serves as a source for recruiting excellent graduate students. It also allows the Gene Center to contribute to the national goal of increasing the number of minorities pursuing biomedicine.
Over 160 undergraduate researchers from academic colleges and universities across the U.S. have participated in the program. You can read about some of the success stories in the “Where Are They Now” section.
Leadership Alliance
The Leadership Alliance is a consortium of 31 leading research and teaching academic institutions, including minority serving institutions, all dedicated to improving the participation of underrepresented students in graduate studies and, ultimately, research professions in academic institutions, government research institutions, and private industry.
SPUR participants present the results of their summer research twice at the conclusion of the program – once to faculty and students at Hunter College and once at the annual Leadership Alliance National Symposium. The symposium is attended by over 150 program participants from summer research programs of Leadership Alliance institutions from all across the nation.
Expectations/Requirements of Accepted Students
The program consists of an intensive eight-week research experience in which students conduct an independent research project with close supervision by a Gene Center faculty mentor.
It also provides fellows with workshops on Research Animal Handling, Bioimaging and Research Techniques as well as seminars by Gene Center graduate students and guest speakers. Guest speakers include young minority researchers conducting successful research at academic institutions, the NIH, and in the biotech industry.
Participation in all planned activities is mandatory. Non-compliance can lead to a reduced stipend or early discharge.
Program Dates
Monday, June 4th to Monday, July 30th, 2012
The Leadership Alliance Symposium is July 27-29 2012 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown, Hartford, Connecticut.
Financial and Housing information
Stipend:
SPUR participants will receive a stipend of $3,000 which will be paid in installments during the summer. We reserve the right to reduce the amount as a result of non-compliance/participation.
Travel:
Upon arrival, and submission of receipts, participants will be reimbursed for their travel expenses to/from the program. Save your airline or train ticket stubs, boarding pass for e-tickets, car rental bills, and receipts. Credit cards slips are not adequate documentation for travel expenses or proof of travel.
All travel must be via economy class only. (Exception: Amtrak Business Class between any two stations on the Boston/Washington DC route is permitted.). All flights must be booked in economy class on U.S. Flag air carriers, per the Fly America Act.
Housing:
Participants who are unable to commute will be housed at the International House in Manhattan at no cost. The International House has housed students from all over world in its current location by Riverside Park since 1924.
Lab/Faculty Information
Find a list of possible labs and faculty members here
SPUR Staff
We are here to help you and to answer any questions you may have as you prepare for this exciting opportunity.
Equal Opportunity
Hunter College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Institution. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage, citizenship, military or veteran status, or status as victim of domestic violence in its student admissions, employment, access to programs, and administration of educational policies. Questions or concerns may be forwarded to the Office of Diversity and Compliance.
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/affirmativeaction/index.shtml
Hunter College is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Institution. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, alienage, citizenship, military or veteran status, or status as victim of domestic violence in its student admissions, employment, access to programs, and administration of educational policies. Questions or concerns may be forwarded to the Office of Diversity and Compliance.
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/affirmativeaction/index.shtml
The Summer Program for Undergraduate Research is supported and funded by Award Number R25DA032520 from the National Institute On Drug Abuse.
