IGI-Hampton Summer Research Program in Genome Engineering

Overview

The IGI-Hampton Summer Research Program in Genome Engineering, part of UC Berkeley's Graduate Diversity Office's Inclusive Excellence Program, is an exciting opportunity for students from Hampton University to spend the summer doing research and learning cutting-edge genomic techniques at the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI). Hampton is a historically Black university (HBCU) located in Virginia.

Cydni Bolling stands in front of her poster

Hampton student and 2024 IGI summer research student Cydni Bolling at a poster session, sharing her research

The IGI is working toward a world where revolutionary biotechnology is routinely applied to treat genetic diseases, enable sustainable agriculture, and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions that are accessible and affordable is central to the IGI’s mission.

We believe that diversity and excellence are intrinsically linked and that it is crucial that the next generation of scientific leaders and researchers reflect the diversity of our community. We aim to provide an environment that is welcoming and inclusive, where students receive high-quality training and mentorship.

The IGI-Hampton Summer Research Program in Genome Engineering was piloted with a single Hampton student in Summer 2023, and continued with 2 Hampton students in Summer 2024. We plan to host two students in Summer 2025.

Learn about our 2024 Hampton cohort and their experience here.

The Program

The program is an eight-week summer research opportunity for Hampton university STEM undergraduates planning to pursue graduate degrees.

What the IGI-Hampton Summer Research Program provides

Financial support & housing: Participants receive a $5000 stipend, plus dorm-style housing at no cost.

Mentoring & an unrivaled network of professional contacts: Students will be mentored by some of the leading researchers in genomics and have the opportunity to connect with researchers and students across IGI, as well as opportunities to connect with summer students working across UC Berkeley.

Social activities & community: Students will have access to multiple community spaces and opportunities to connect with other summer research students, as well as UC Berkeley grad students, faculty, and staff.

Graduate program application support

Application Information

IGI-Hampton program timeline

Applications are open November 15, 2024 – February 2, 2025. The program runs from June 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025. Semifinalist Interviews and admission decisions will begin in February 2025 and be completed by April 2025.

Who the program is for

Hampton University sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors who are enrolled full-time and studying in a STEM field

Participants must be interested in applying to one of the Ph.D. programs being currently offered at UC Berkeley

Participants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)