• What is the BBSI?
• What are BioMEMS?
• Who should apply?
• How can I apply?
• Will I need a recommendation?
• Will I get paid?

What is the BBSI?

The summer institute is part of a joint initiative of the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Biomedical Engineering of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). The goal is to attract more students to graduate training in bioengineering, which the agencies have identified as one of the “essential underpinning fields of the 21st century.”

What are BioMEMS?

BioMEMS are micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) designed explicitly for biomedical applications. MEMS are produced using adaptations of the same technologies that produce silicon microchips (e.g., for computers). From the engineering point of view, micro- (and even nano-) technology is rapidly becoming the engineering of the future. From the biological and medical points of view, applications of BioMEMS devices span a wide range of important questions in basic biology and problems in medical diagnostics and therapeutics.

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Who should apply?

The BioMEMS Summer Bioengineering Institute at NJIT will be open to both undergraduate and graduate students in engineering disciplines, the life sciences, physical sciences, pre-medicine and other health science fields. We are encouraging students who have a background in one of the traditional engineering disciplines or from the physical or biological sciences to apply. Students should have a genuine interest in pursuing a graduate career in biomedical engineering.

Unfortunately, students who have already embarked on an academic program in biomedical engineering will not be eligible for the summer institute. This restriction is due to the intention of NSF and NIH to have this program attract students to bioengineering who are not yet involved in it.

All BBSI summer institutes actively encourage students from under-represented minorities to apply. NJIT counts a significant number of minority students within its engineering pool, and these students have generally found a supportive environment here. Women are also actively welcomed in the Summer Institute. In fact, a number of women faculty will participate as potential research mentors.

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How can I apply?

You can apply to the BioMEMS Summer Bioengineering Institute via our online application or fill out a downloadable application and email us back at biomemssummer@njit.edu.

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Will I need a recommendation?

Yes. In fact, we will ask not only for an initial nomination but also for follow-up evaluations after you have completed your summer institute experience. You will need to contact a faculty member at your home institution who knows you well and will be willing to serve as your mentor. Because we will also ask your faculty mentor for follow-up information, he/she must be willing to be more involved with you than just writing an initial letter of recommendation.

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Will I get paid?

All students will receive a stipend of $3000 for participating fully in the BioMEMS Summer Institute. In addition, housing will be provided on the NJIT campus free of cost to participants during the 10-weeks of the institute. Finally, participants will receive assistance with their meal expenses (~ $15/day).

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