Students and Faculty interested in applying to the 2019 PIE Program:

(Please read the information below before applying to the links at the bottom of the page) 

Students:

  • Must be enrolled at CCSU, SCSU, U Hartford, U Saint Joseph, Trinity College, Tunxis CC, or UConn
    • If you are enrolled at UConn, you MUST belong to one of the following programs: McNair Scholars, LSAMP, Professional Science Masters, School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, or UConn Waterbury campus dept of biology
  • Bioscience or bioengineering-related majors: Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Pursuing one of the following degrees: Associates, Bachelors, Masters, PhD, Dental, or Medical
  • 10 Week commitment from May 28, 2019-August 2, 2019,  including  PIE Innovation Fellows Research Day (July 31, 2019) and weekly PIE seminars and workshops

Faculty:

  • Must be a research of clinical faculty member at UConn Health, CCMC, Jackson Laboratories, CCSU, SCSU, Trinity, Tunxis CC, U Saint Joseph, or U Hartford
  • Research projects in bioscience or bioengineering areas are provided by the faculty mentor and may be basic, translational, or clinical; projects must be forward-looking, no data entry or surveys. Commercializable projects are not required but are welcome. You will be asked to describe your available research project(s) when you apply.
  • Faculty mentors provide guidance and oversight for the project; postdocs or graduate students may assist as co-mentors.
  • Faculty mentors provide research space and supplies. The PIE program covers the student’s stipend.  Mentors may request up to 2 PIE summer fellows.

Timeline for Application to the 2019 program:

Dec 21-Feb 1: call for faculty mentors to apply (the application will request a description of the faculty mentor’s available summer research project)

Dec 21 -Feb 1: call for students to apply (the application will request a description of the student’s interest in the program, career goals, and resume)

Feb 6: notification to students of acceptance (or not) into the PIE program

Feb 6-Feb 20: faculty-student interviews and match period

March – April: faculty-student research project goal-setting (Learning Agreement

April -May: lab safety training; badge access; online orientation

May 28-Aug 2, 2019: summer program

Common questions from students about applying to the PIE Program:

Is research experience required?

Many applicants to the PIE program have prior research experience, but not all.  Equally important is having a willing aptitude, being an enthusiastic team player, and working hard.

I’m a freshman or sophomore, can I apply?

Of course. In fact, since continuing research after the summer is an option in the PIE program, applying as a first- or second- year student can be advantageous, because it maximizes the amount of time available for you to potentially extend your project into a long-term research experience.

Is summer housing provided? 

Dormitory housing at UConn, Storrs is available for any student participating in the summer PIE program, at your own arrangement and expense (~$1,750 for 10 weeks; see https://reslife.uconn.edu/).  Daily shuttle bus transportation between UConn, Storrs and UConn Health, Farmington is available (see below).

Is transportation provided?

Transportation between UConn, Storrs and UConn Health, Farmington is available all summer twice daily via the UConn shuttle bus, which picks up at Storrs at 8 am and at Farmington at 4 pm.  No other transportation is provided.  For those who drive, parking is available at no or low cost.

What is the amount of the summer fellowship stipend?

The summer fellowship is $4,000 for most PIE fellows. Adjustments are made to the stipend amount for fellows who receive housing or a similar special benefit from their originating institution or organization.

I want to participate in the PIE summer program, but I will be away part of the summer. 

The PIE program requires commitment by each student to full participation which includes engagement in full time research (~40 hrs/week, M-F) from May 28-Aug 2 (not on July 4), attendance at required/weekly seminars and workshops or events, and presentation at Innovation Research Day on July 31.

Can I continue my research project after the summer?

Extending your research project past the summer can lead to a long-term research experience that may offer additional opportunities, like presentations at scientific conferences outside the PIE program, or even authorship on publications. About half of last year’s PIE summer fellows continued their research projects with their mentors in the Fall and/or Spring semesters.  Most do this as Independent Study, earning academic credits from their home institution.  Some students have made their former summer project their honors, masters or capstone thesis project.

Can former PIE fellows apply for a second summer of PIE support?

PIE fellows can apply for a second summer of fellowship support only if the following criteria are met:

  • The student continued their summer research project in either the Fall or Spring semester as Independent Study, Honors, etc, or part-time work
  • The student is still enrolled in a partner institution
  • Permission of the mentor and PIE site director is required

To Apply:

PIE 2019 Student Fellow Application

You will be asked to describe your prior research experience and why you want to apply to the program.  You will need to upload your current resume.  For tips on preparing your resume see https://career.uconn.edu/resume-and-cover-letters/

Apply using the link below:

PIE 2019 Fellows Application

PIE 2019 Faculty Mentor Application:

You will be asked to describe the available summer research project(s) you have in mind for your summer PIE fellow.

Form for UConn Health faculty https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/pie-faculty-form-uconn-health/

Form for PIE partner institution faculty https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/pie-faculty-form/