Summer Program for Research Interns
The Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) needs faculty members to mentor exceptional rising high school seniors for
six weeks of directed research during the summer.
The statewide SPRI program is coordinated by the Governor's School for
Science and Mathematics (GSSM). The program includes all GSSM rising seniors
and students from other high schools in South Carolina.
An award from
the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) supports 20 SPRI students each year for 4 years
(2006-2010).
The HHMI award
funds:
* housing and stipends for the student interns
* supplies money for the student projects
What are the advantages to you for participation in this program?
Assistance
in advancing a component of your research
Potential
for a research publication with the student
The
opportunity to work with some of the best students in South Carolina
All
interns will enroll in AFLS 191 with you
The
chance that these very bright students will enroll as Clemson undergraduate or
graduate students
$660
in supply money for your intern's research if in CAFLS or BioEngineering - $360 from GSSM plus $300
from HHMI
QUICK FACTS
SPRI 09 runs for 6 weeks, tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 8- Friday, July 17.
Commuters may begin and end on a flexible schedule determined by the faculty mentor.
Boarders are restricted to dorm availability dates - move in Sunday, June 6, move out by Sunday, July 18. Interns MAY NOT stay in the dorms after July 18.
CAFLS faculty mentors may spend $660 on supplies ($300 from SC LIFE/HHMI and $360 from the GSSM). All supplies must be ordered through Ginger Foulk, foulk@clemson.edu, 656-4224. Supplies will be shipped directly to you.
Thursday seminars/luncheons are mandatory for all interns on or near the CU campus. A schedule of topics will be sent to you. Mentors and lab staff are welcome to attend.
SPRI interns receive a stipend ($600) UNLESS you are paying them a stipend/salary from other funds. To receive a stipend, interns must check in with Cora Allard the first work day on campus. If interns are off campus, call Cora at 864-656-0721 on the first day to check in. Stipends checks are mailed to interns' home addresses approximately 2 weeks from the start date.
All 2009 CAFLS interns will enroll in AFLS 191 for 2 credits. CoES interns will enroll in ENGR 190.
All on/near campus interns are required to create a poster detailing their research during their 6 weeks stay on campus. A research poster presentation seminar will be held on campus the last week of the internship (Friday, July 17).
You
will not receive salary for mentoring SPRI students.
FAQs
What do I need to do when a potential intern contacts me?
Interview the intern. Make sure they know about your research project and it's work requirements. Discuss your lab's work schedule. Tell them about the students/lab staff they may work with. If you decide to accept this intern, he/she needs to know where you/your lab is, what time to report on the first day, whom to ask for, lab dress code, etc. At the end of your discussions, indicate that you need a decision (to accept the match) by the student by X date or you'll ask for another intern.
May I request an in-person interview?
Of course. Many interns drive to CU over their spring break for interviews. If you require an interview, please make that request/condition clear to the intern up front.
Must I accept the intern assigned to me?
No. If you do not feel comfortable with the intern match after interviewing him (via phone or in person), then let us know and we'll contact the Governor's School for you. Please let us know immediately so that the GSSM can attempt to get you another intern and find another mentor for the student.
What if you cannot be available for the entire six weeks period?
You may appoint a responsible graduate student, technician or other 'alternate mentor' to substitute for you during short absences. Some very successful project relationships have involved SPRI students working closely with advanced graduate students or technicians.
If you need additional information about the SPRI program or would like to discuss the program with some previous mentors, please contact Barbara Speziale (656-1550, bjspz@clemson.edu ).