The COVID-19 pandemic changed the educational landscape drastically for several years. As students began learning online, they missed out on valuable hands-on learning experiences. A new HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology program is providing minority students impacted by the pandemic the opportunity to participate in real-world research.

“The BRIDGES program will give students the skills, opportunities, and connections they need to be able to be successful in biotechnology and STEM fields,” said Michele Morris, Director of Workforce Development at HudsonAlpha.

In an interview with the Huntsville Business Journal, Morris was asked what HudsonAlpha sees as the future for this new season of researchers.

“We expect this experiential learning fellowship to prepare the participants to transition to the STEM workforce or higher education. Their time at HudsonAlpha will bolster their confidence and build their professional community. We are confident that the participants in this fellowship will benefit from their time at HudsonAlpha.”

Applications for the BRIDGES Fellowship are open now.

The program, which is supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to boost retention, interest, and diversity through guided experiences in STEM. The opportunity runs for 9-12 months, starting in August 2023 and ending the following May, with an option to extend through July.

BRIDGES trainees will work 40 hours a week during the program at $16 an hour. They will be eligible for full HudsonAlpha benefits as well as paid time off.

During their fellowship, students will gain valuable experience working in a research lab and contributing to scientific endeavors. They will perform laboratory tasks, learn specialized skills like molecular biology, bioinformatics, and cell culture, participate in scientific discussions, and contribute to research projects.

“Experiential learning is a valuable addition to a degree. The BRIDGES Fellowship will prepare these students with the skills they need to confidently take the next step in their career path: graduate school or a professional position,” Morris added.

All students will begin their term with a two-week biology boot camp to launch them into their positions. Throughout the program, they will also participate in professional development opportunities to help build connections in and beyond HudsonAlpha that will facilitate their future success in STEM careers.

BRIDGES participants will then present their research through an oral or poster presentation at the end of their fellowship.

To apply for the program, please visit www.hudsonalpha.org/bridges

Applications close on March 1, 2023. Selected students will begin their internship on August 21, 2023.