mposed of students whose home departments are in Computer Science and Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology or Chemistry. Undergraduates from these departments can apply for entry into the bioinformatics major during the first four weeks of every quarter. The undergraduate research program in bioinformatics has a similar scope underscored by the support of Calit2 on numerous projects. Calit2 hosts the HAP webserver (link below), an interactive software tool developed by Eskin's group, and has committed funds to support the undergrad research symposium. "Given its mandate to promote interdisciplinary research and education," noted Eskin, "Calit2 was the logical place to turn for support of these programs."

"The institute has a made an important commitment to reinforcing research programs for undergraduates on the campus, including summer internships with members of the bioinformatics faculty," said Ramesh Rao, Calit2's division director at UCSD and a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Jacobs School. "We hope that the new bioinformatics awards will encourage more undergrads to commit not only to doing research in this field, but also to embarking on a career of publishing and academic advancement."

The undergraduate research symposium which Eskin hopes to turn into a quarterly event is targeted at undergraduates from any of the four bioinformatics host departments (see above) who are not currently enrolled in the bioinformatics program. A 45-minute information session was followed by an informal reception and poster session to showcase the work of undergraduates already in the program. "We want other students on campus to be aware of all the exciting research opportunities that are available to them in this field," said Eskin. "Participation in research projects can both significantly improve their chances of admittance into top graduate programs and also make them a much more attractive employment candidate."

Senior
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Contact: Doug Ramsey
dramsey@ucsd.edu
858-822-5825
University of California - San Diego
3-Feb-2005

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