The Summer Undergraduate Research Program in the Department of Physiology at the University of South Alabama is a 10 week program targeting those undergraduates with an interest in a research career in biomedical sciences. Students join the ongoing research efforts in laboratories of one of our faculty members, focusing on cardiopulmonary function in health and disease.

Who can I work with?

• Thomas Lincoln - nitric oxide signaling in smooth muscle
• Stephen Ballard - airway epithelial transport
• Michael Cohen - ischemic preconditioning
• James Downey - myocardial ischemia and preconditioning
• James Parker - effects of mechanical injury to lung endothelium
• Mark S. Taylor - vascular biology; ion channels
• Mary Townsley - pulmonary hypertension in heart failure
• David S. Weber - vascular biology; oxidative stress
• Jian Yang - lipid metabolism - metabolic disorders (obesity and diabetes)

Investigations of physiologic function utilizes cell and molecular techniques as well as integrative approaches at the whole tissue or whole animal level, depending upon the laboratory and the question involved. Our faculty's research efforts are funded by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.

Students selected into the program will
- gain experience in state-of-the-art physiologic methods 
- read pertinent literature
- participate in laboratory meetings and discussions
- participate in weekly or biweekly college-wide seminars
    on relevant topics
- interact with other faculty, graduate students and fellows
- potentially be a co-author on a publication resulting from
                                                                                this work

Since 1996, we have had 33 students in the Summer Research Program, representing the University of South Alabama and Spring Hill College in Mobile, other schools in Alabama (Auburn University and Stillman College), Haverford College (Pennsylvania), Jackson State University (Mississippi), St. Olaf's College (Minnesota), Vanderbilt University (Tennessee), Randolph-Macon College for Women (Pennsylvania), University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming College (Pennsylvania). Students are selected based on academic performance in their undergraduate coursework, letters of recommendation, and level of interest in a  research career. We invite applications from undergraduates completing their Freshman, Sophomore or Junior years of study in the sciences at any accredited school in the United States.

How can I apply?

Students accepted into the program will receive a stipend ($2,500 for the ten week program). On-campus housing is available; campus residence halls are a short walk from the Medical Sciences Building. A variety of off-campus apartments are available within 5 minutes of the University. Transportation and housing costs are not provided. The application deadline is March 15. Applicants will be notified as to acceptance by mid April.