The application deadline is Dec. 1.
The scholarships consist of a $500-a-semester stipend and $3,000 for a research project conducted during the summer after the junior year.
From their first semester, scholars develop close relationships with faculty mentors and participate in monthly research colloquia, seminars and meetings. Hughes scholars also have access to a network of peer and faculty tutors in science and math.
During their junior year, scholars begin independent research projects under the supervision of a faculty research advisor. In past years, topics have ranged from research on potential therapies for muscular dystrophy to the classification of Gorgonian corals.
The research scholarship program at UB involves the active participation of more than 60 faculty as mentors and research advisors and more than 80 undergraduates.
The Hughes initiative is administered through the Department of Biological Sciences.
Gerald Koudelka, associate professor of biological sciences, directs the program with Ronald Berezny, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.
In addition to funding the scholarships, the $1.5 million Howard Hughes grant UB received in 1994 has supported biology-laboratory enhancements, a new course in advanced human molecular genetics for nonscience majors and summer training for local high-school science teachers.
Information and applications may be obtained from the program office at 109B Cooke Hall, by telephone at 645-2363, by fax at 645-2975 or by electronic mail by sending a message to cap@ubvms.cc.buffalo.edu