This 8-week, full-time summer research program caters to undergraduate students, offering three distinct tracks: Bootcamp, Internship, and Bioinformatics. These options provide excellent opportunities for students to network with peers from across New Mexico or RAIN institutions while honing their laboratory and research abilities. The culmination of this summer experience is a presentation of their research findings at a symposium held during the final week of the program. Students receive compensation $18 per hour (Full-Time) for their involvement.
** All programs administered through the NM-INBRE program are contingent on grant number P20GM103451 funding.
Summer Bootcamp
Description
This paid 8-week program is designed for early-stage undergraduate students who have limited or no prior research experience. Students work in small teams to collect bacteria from soils and identify and characterize those bacteria using microbiological, biochemical, and molecular genetics techniques. Natural products made by those bacteria will also be extracted, chemically characterized, and assayed for potential antimicrobial activity. This is critically important research; many bacterial infections are resistant to current antimicrobial compounds, and we need new treatments to treat infections. Accepted students receive summer housing on the NMSU main campus. Students will participate in NM-INBRE professional development activities throughout the summer (in-person or remotely), and will present their research results at the NM-INBRE symposium at the end of the summer. This is a full-time research experience.
Eligible Institutions
This program is open to undergraduate students at all New Mexico or RAIN institutions except NMSU and UNM.
Summer Internships
Internships Description
This paid program allows students to carry out mentored research at either their home institution, *UNM or NMSU. Students will work with a mentor on a specific research project. In addition to the mentored research, students will participate in NM-INBRE professional development activities throughout the summer (in-person or remotely) and will present their research results at the NM-INBRE symposium at the end of the summer. This is a full-time research experience.
* Please note UNM internship dates differ from home and NMSU internships
Eligible Institutions
Eligibility is dependant on the type of internship you are applying for.
Internship at Home Institutions
Students enrolled in the following schools can take part in summer internships and remain at their respective institutions.
- Eastern New Mexico University
- New Mexico Highlands University
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
- Northern New Mexico College
- San Juan College
Internships at New Mexico State University and University of New Mexico
This program is open to continuing undergraduate students at all New Mexico or RAIN institutions except NMSU and UNM. Students will need to be enrolled as an undergraduate in the fall semester following the summer internship.
Housing at NMSU and UNM will be provided as needed.
Virtual Bioinformatics
Description
Undergraduate students interested in researching the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other pandemics will be paid to engage virtually with scientists and bioinformaticians at the National Center for Genome Resources to develop critical-thinking, research and basic bioinformatics skills. Interested in digging into pandemics, both past and present? Together, we’ll explore a variety of resources to learn about pandemics from different angles, including the pathogens, the disease and society. We’ll teach you how to find and analyze pathogen genomes to detect variants and how they are changing over time. We’ll support you as you delve into past and present pandemics from 3 countries of your choosing to compare the course of their pandemics. This is a virtual workshop so you can do it from the comfort of your home (but don’t worry, we won’t be on zoom all day).
Eligible Institutions
This program is open to any undergraduate student at all New Mexico or RAIN institutions.
Summer Application Requirements
The complete NISE Application will consist of:
- Contact Information
- Academics
- Previous Experience
- Required Documents
- 3 Essay questions
- Copy of your academic transcript (Please provide a copy of your academic transcript, in PDF format You may provide an official or unofficial copy.)
- Agreement to Terms of Participation
**STUDENTS MUST BE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE U.S.
**STUDENTS MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD BY MAY 1ST 2025.
TIME COMMITMENT DURING THE SUMMER
Students must have a full-time summer availability. Please note the time commitment to the NISE Program is extensive. Students must be available for fulltime employment, including some evening and weekend activities. Participants are not permitted to enroll or participate in additional programs and/or courses if selected to participate in the NISE Program.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
January 24, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
PROGRAM DATES:
June 4th – August 2nd 2025
UNM PROGRAM DATES:
May 28th – August 2nd 2025
**Other individual program dates vary and additional days may be required by your institution.
What Is a RAIN Student?
The Regional Alliance of INBRE Networks (RAIN) was established to foster collaborative efforts in addressing shared scientific themes. It provides opportunities for undergraduate students in RAIN-affiliated states, which includes Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming, to engage in transformative research experiences. Individual INBRE Programs under RAIN offer specialized student initiatives like lab fellowships, workshops, and summer camps.
NISE Students Summer 2023
Brianna Detsoi
Brianna is a senior at New Mexico Tech Pursuing her degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. She applied to the NISE Internship program to do more research and learn more about the graduate school process so that she may apply after graduation. This year, she is excited to participate in the program as a returning NISE student.
Caleb Sundquist
Caleb is a Junior at the University of Wyoming. He applied to the program to enhance his research experience and build confidence in conducting research as part of his preparation for a career in medicine. He is among the selected students for this year’s NISE Bootcamp.
Donovan Bradfute
Donovan is a sophomore at Eastern New Mexico University. He has had a passion for scientific research since his childhood, particularly in the medical field. When he discovered the NISE program, he was filled with excitement and submitted his application. He is among the selected students for this year’s NISE Bootcamp.
Harrison Kaspar
Harrison is a senior at New Mexico Tech. He applied to the NISE-Internship program with the objective of gaining additional valuable experience in conducting research within a laboratory environment. He now also wants to learn all the fungal wisdom. He is a returning NISE student this year.
Jakob Plante
Jakob was a senior when he applied to the NISE internship program but will be entering the master’s program in the fall at NMSU. Before embarking on his master’s journey, Jakob decided to return to the NISE-Internship program with the intention of gaining more extensive research experience specifically in developing research questions and designing experimental protocols. By observing how researchers in related fields approach and solve problems, he hopes to gain valuable insights that will aid him. He is a returning NISE student this year.
Jasmine Young
Jasmine is a Junior at New Mexico Tech submitted her application to the NISE Bootcamp program with the aim of deepening her comprehension of the research process and becoming more at ease in a laboratory setting. By participating in this program, she anticipates gaining increased confidence in conducting research and enhancing her communication skills.
Mason Broten
Mason, a junior studying biomedical science at New Mexico Tech, is eager to participate in the NISE program to enhance his research skills. His goal is to apply the knowledge and experiences gained during the summer program to improve his own research work at Tech.
Rui Wheaton
Rui, a junior student at New Mexico Tech, joined the NISE Bootcamp program with the objective of acquiring valuable research experience and boosting her confidence in laboratory techniques. Her primary goal is to expand her knowledge about bacteria and their associated antibiotics, along with their applications in contemporary medicine. By participating in the program, she anticipates gaining in-depth insights into these subjects.
Samantha Lopez
Samantha is a senior at Western New Mexico University. She applied to the NISE Bootcamp program with the purpose of gaining hands-on experience in independent research and refining her research skills. Additionally, she saw this as an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and enhance her self-confidence.
Sarah Sandoval
Sarah, a recent high school graduate, is embarking on her sophomore year in the nursing program at NMSU. Seeking to gain independent research experience and enhance her resume, she applied for the NISE Bootcamp program. Additionally, she aims to establish valuable connections that will support her career aspirations. By completing the program Sarah envisions developing a stronger sense of confidence in the laboratory setting, along with a deeper appreciation and understanding of science.
Tabitha Hunter
Tabitha, a senior student at New Mexico Tech, is pursuing a dual degree in biology and biomedical engineering with aspirations of entering the medical field. With a keen interest in research, she has joined the NISE Bootcamp program to expand her knowledge and enhance her decision-making abilities in research positions. Specifically, she is eager to delve deeper into the field of novel antibiotic generation.
Vanessa Cordova
Vanessa is a junior at New Mexico Tech. She applied to the NISE Bootcamp program to enhance her laboratory experience. While her current educational goal is to attend veterinary school, she wanted to explore other career options before finalizing her decision. By participating in this program, Vanessa aims to deepen her understanding of microbiology and establish a strong foundation in a laboratory setting.