Programs & Activities
Simons Foundation-NYU Biology Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)
The Simons Foundation-NYU Biology SURP is a 10-week summer research program at the NYU Department of Biology and Center for Genomics and Systems Biology for undergraduates interested in STEM careers.
NYU opportunity programs
The Department of Biology Faculty participates in several opportunity programs, including a pre-college program: Science Technology Engineering and Math Program (STEP), and college programs: Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), and Women in Science (WINS) that seeks to create a more inclusive environment in research and related careers in STEM.
NSF and NIH Funded Research Opportunities at NYU
Many faculty at the Department of Biology hold NSF and NIH grants that are eligible for supplements to promote diversity in research. Eligible applicants (including those who already graduated college) should contact faculty directly well in advance (at least 6 months) of the desired start date to start the application. Applicants can search for faculty holding NIH grants at NIH RePORTER. NIGMS also has a supplement for summer research by undergraduates. Interested students should contact faculty at least 2 months prior to the deadline, which is typically March 15. Undergraduates who would like to be hosted by an NSF funded lab for summer research can contact faculty to apply for an REU supplement. Students can search for faculty holding NSF grants at this site.
Research Conferences
NYU Biology participates in the Society for the Advancement of Native Americans and Chicanos in the Sciences (SACNAS) and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) conferences. Biology students participate in the NYU SACNAS Chapter. Find more conferences at the Research Conferences webpage.
Public Outreach
NYU Biology faculty, students and researchers participate in numerous public outreach programs, including World Science Festival, Biobus, PlantingScience, and others.
Lunch Matrix
The lunch matrix is an informal lunch hang for members of the department, with participants randomly sorted into groups of ~4 each month to meet for lunch or coffee. The purpose is to get to know colleagues outside of our immediate circles and deepen our connections throughout the department. Contact - Sophie Tintori (sophia.tintori@nyu.edu)
My Own Story, Panel Series
My Own Story is a panel series intended to support inclusion and belonging and grow knowledge of challenges and solutions in academia for underrepresented mentees based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, neurodiversity, first generation to attend college, or other experiences that bring unique perspectives. All NYU undergraduates, MS students, PhD students, postdocs, and research personnel in Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, Center for Neuroscience, and Biology who identify as underrepresented are welcome to join.
PhD student and Postdoc seminars
Two PhD students present their research to the department every Friday morning. The seminars are organized by Sherry Scott (sherry.scott@nyu.edu) and are open to everyone. Professor Carol Huang organizes the postdoc seminar series, which occur every other Thursday at 12:30-1:30 pm. Other departmental seminars and events are listed on the departmental events website.
Journal Clubs, Book Club and Topic Meetings
NYU Biology students and staff take part in several topic focused clubs and groups at NYC. These include the Annual New York Area Worm Meeting (contact - Sevinc Ercan), Evolution Book Club (contact - Matt Rockman), New York Area Clock Club (contact - Justin Blau), Genome Integrity Discussion Group (contact - Sevinc Ercan.)
Repository of skill-based workshops
Our students and staff provide workshops for “horizontal skill transfer”. Resource materials from some of these workshops are freely available.
Ping-Pong social
On the last Friday of each month, a ping-pong social event is held in CGSB 805 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. For any questions on table set up and rules, contact Sevinc Ercan.
Undergraduate research at NYU
Many of the labs at NYU Biology have undergraduate researchers performing experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to publications. Getting involved in research as an undergraduate has many benefits and grants to support this work are available at NYU and at the national level.
Paid summer internship opportunities
Many institutions across the US offer programs that provide paid internships for undergraduates to do research in the summer. Some of the programs provide housing and stipends and the deadlines for application are typically in Jan-Feb each year.
STEM student affinity groups at NYU
Several affinity groups are available for URM undergraduates, including the BlackinStem (contact Barbara Akum) and NYU SACNAS Chapter.
Handbooks and Policies
Graduate students and other researchers can reach policies, guides and resources at the department’s resource guides. These include answers to commonly asked questions.
The Respect is a Part of Research (RPR) workshop
RPR is a workshop adopted by the Graduate Biology Group from the workshop originally developed by graduate students at UC Berkeley Department of Physics. RPR began as a sexual harassment prevention workshop, but has expanded into exploring power-based dynamics, personal boundaries, and bystander intervention. During the workshop, a short presentation introduces policies and definitions to participants, then trained facilitators lead peers in small group discussions of scenarios adapted from real events.
Demographics of current students
Past years demographics of our PhD students and their career trajectories can be seen in the PhD metrics site.
Annual Departmental DEI report
An annual report of DEI activities is shared by the faculty director. In 2022, this also included a summary of the demographic and climate survey, which was reported to increase transparency and serve as a compass for what areas need attention.
Race and Racism in the Sciences Series
The Department participates in the annual workshop on race and racism in the sciences. A list of speakers and links to recordings can be found at the event website.