Genentech Fellows Summer Undergraduate Research

The Genentech Fellows Summer Undergraduate Research program is designed to give students a safe space to explore and exercise new skills in collaboration with Sonoma State Faculty. This research experience allows students to engage with and implement a research project of their interest, which will enhance their major and career exploration. This opportunity will help students better understand the research process, analyze and interpret data, learn lab techniques, learn how to work independently, and gain more self-confidence. 

Eligibility

This program is for current undergraduate MESA Members. Students must work with Sonoma State Faculty when conducting their research. 

Expectations

As a Genentech Fellow, you can expect the following;

  • A 10-week research project.
  • Regular check-ins with your Principal Investigator (Faculty Member)
  • Bi-weekly check-ins with the other Genentech Fellows.
  • Submitting and presenting a final project (research poster). 
  • Fellows will work 25 hours per week for 10 weeks at $20.00/hour
    • Start Date: Monday, June 5, 2023
    • End Date: Friday, August 11, 2023
  • Principal Investigators will receive a $1000 stipend at the end of the summer. 
    • Note: Faculty will be reimbursed for up to $250 in research materials. 

How To Apply

The application opens on March 13, 2023, and closes on April 14, 2023.

Students interested in participating in this program will need to;

  • Complete the application (Google Form) that includes;
    • Project details. The description should include the research topic, research questions, and proposed research methods. 
  • Identify a Principal Investigator who currently serves as a faculty member at Sonoma State University. 

Principal Investigators interested in participating in this program will need to (via Google Form)

  • Provide an approximation of what facilities and materials will be required for the proposed project.
  • Submit a Letter of Support on the student’s behalf that includes
    • Confirmation that the Student and the P.I. have discussed the proposed project. 

The deadline to apply is April 14, 2023​. 

Selected Projects

This summer’s Genentech Fellows will be announced at our End of Year event and notified via email. In our selection of Genentech Fellows, we will prioritize Third and Fourth Year students paired with the School of Science & Technology Faculty who have not previously participated in the program.

Summer 2023 Cohort

 
Natasha B.
Dr. Nathan Rank

Chrysomela Confluens and Chrysomela Schaefferi Populations Found in Coastal Regions in Relation to Climate Change

Sabrina B.
Dr. Monica Lares

An Assay for Monitoring Glucose in the Presence of Opuntia Ficus-Indica

Giselle C. A.
Dr. Nathan Rank

Evaluation of Snow Cover Differences in Eastern Sierra Nevada, 2018-2023

Kelsey D.
Dr. Matty Mookerjee

Synthetically Deforming Calcite and Mapping Deformational Microstructures Using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)

Alexander E. C.
Dr. Brent Hughes

A Decade After an Ocean Disease Outbreak: Is Sea Star Wasting Disease Still Detectable Along the Northern California Coast?

Brian G.
Dr. Farid Farahmand 

Robot Claw: In-depth with PIC Microcontroller

Sloan H.
Dr. Gurman Gill

Identifying Bias in Artificial Intelligence Through Image Classification Models

Bryce I.
Dr. Ben Ford

Geometric Group Theory in 3-Manifolds

Addison K.
Dr. Steven Farmer

Synthesis of Carbazole and Carboline Derivatives

Pablo O.
Dr. Farid Farahmand

Robot Claw: In-depth with PIC Microcontroller

 
Christian Q.
Dr. Lisa Hua

Positioning of Homologous Chromosome 15 in Bloom's Syndrome

Candace S.
Dr. Steven Farmer

Synthesis of Carbazole and Carboline Derivatives

 
Salma T. L.
Dr. Lisa Hua

Development and Optimization of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Tank Breeding Protocol

Kalani V. C.
Dr. Lisa Hua

Chromosome Organization in Down Syndrome Fibroblast Cells

John V.
Dr. Steven Farmer

Synthesis of Carbazole and Carboline Derivatives

 

What do I do if my preferred faculty member cannot support me this summer?

Don't give up, ask another faculty member. 

Do I have to be in my Third or Fourth year?

No! Any undergraduate MESA Member can apply! 

Do I have to do research in a lab on campus?

As long as you are conducting research with Sonoma State faculty, you can work wherever is conducive to your project (you will work this out with your faculty member).

Do students need to come up with a new, original project?

No! Students can join a lab where summer research is being conducted or continue research from previous semesters.