Jun 07, 2012 - Claremont, Calif. -

Students work alongside faculty to develop a gene therapy for combatting HIV. The research is one of a hundred projects underway this summer at Harvey Mudd College.

While most people spend summer basking in the sun, about 200 Harvey Mudd College students will pursue summer research projects alongside 46 faculty members in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics and physics.

Nearly 100 projects are underway, ranging from tissue engineering and nanoelectrochemistry to shark tracking and robotics. Many employ interdisciplinary skills.

The projects are part of HMC's Summer Undergraduate Research Program, which engages students in 10 weeks of full-time research.

"Students get experience with new equipment, protocols, programs and more," said Elizabeth Orwin, professor of engineering and associate dean for research and experiential learning. "These experiences reinforce their coursework and allow them to explore new ideas."

The program will include science librarian-led workshops-where students will learn the latest search engines and library programs-and the Stauffer Lecture Series, where faculty present on a variety of scientific topics to enrich students' understanding and knowledge.

This summer, a new "lab open house" feature has been added, offering students the chance to visit labs across campus and discover the work being done by other teams.

View video stories of Summer 2011 research projects.

Media Contact: Judy Augsburger
judy_augsburger@hmc.edu
909.607.0713