Loyola University Chicago

Department of Biology

Fellowship Research Program

Biology Fellowship Research Program

Apply for the Biology Research Fellowships Program through the LUROP site. To be eligible for this award, you must be either a freshman or sophomore already attending the University. Three students per year will be accepted into the program based on their academic credentials, prior experience in science, a statement of their interests, and a proposal. It is expected that only our very best students will be competitive for the program and applicants will most likely include recipients of major merit scholarships (i.e. National Merit Scholars, Presidential Scholars).

Accepted students will begin the program during the summer before their sophomore or junior year, working with a Biology Department faculty member under whose mentorship they will begin an independent research project. It is thus required that the student has identified, and received permission from the Biology Department faculty member mentor with whom he or she shall study, to apply to the program. It is expected that the student will spend the next two-three years, including summers, working with that faculty member.  Only the most talented students will be accepted into the program, where they will be expected to do major research leading to publication and presentations at national meetings under their own names.

Each student in the program will be paid a stipend of $4,000 per year, and the laboratory in which the student is working will receive $2,000 per year to pay for the necessary research supplies. In order to apply a student must:

  • Be a Biology major (BS-Biology, BS-Molecular Biology, BS-Ecology, BS-Neuroscience Minor-Biology Major)
  • Provide a copy of their transcript.
  • Submit a personal statement describing their previous experience in scientific research and how this research experience will further their career plans.
  • Submit a 2-page (12 point font single spaced) project proposal describing the work they will do.
  •  Include a letter of recommendation from the mentor

Biology Summer Research Fellowship Program

The Biology Summer Research Fellowships Program through the LUROP site. To be eligible for this award, you must have a Biology Department faculty member as your mentor.  The award assumes 10 weeks of student commitment in the summer. The fellowship pays a $3,000 stipend plus $1,000 in supplies. Nominations for your candidacy must come from your Biology Department faculty mentor. Students must prepare a one-page letter describing your project, lab experience, and undergraduate record (science and overall GPA).