Interested and want to know more? The following list provides more information about the different opportunities available to Davidson's Merck Scholars. To see how Davidson defines Biochemistry be sure to go to the list of projects. If you have more questions about the program please contact Dr. Karen Bernd or Dr. Cindy Hauser .

Each spring Merck Scholars apply for positions with members of the Biology or Chemistry Departments after consulting the list of projects and application deadline. Before applying, contact faculty members and set up a meeting to discuss potential projects available that year. Interested students from all class years are encouraged to apply. Four Merck Scholars will be named each year.

The summer program includes 10 weeks of research supported by a student stipend of $3500 (pre-tax). The research component is also supported by an additional supply and meeting travel budget of $750/student. During the internship portion Merck Scholars live at Davidson and perform research fulltime. The exact dates of the research are determined in consultation with project advisors but usually fall between the third week in May and the second week in August. Students living on campus can apply for a summer housing grant to further subsidize expenses. Applications are available through the Vice President For Academic Affairs' Office.

Throughout the summer we have lunches and field trips to local industry where biochemistrical approaches are applied. During the catered lunches Merck scholars and their labs present recent work and are part of discussion on topics ranging from 'What is (or what isn't) biochemistry?' to 'How do you apply for graduate school and do you need to go?'. The fieldtrips allow students insight into how biochemistry is used in non-academic settings and possible career options that are available. Information and pictures from Summer 2003 Merck Scholars visit to Duke Power Environmental Laboratories are available on the Merck Scholars page.

A biochemistry speaker series during the academic year brings biochemists to the Davidson College Campus for public lectures. Students are named as Merck Scholars for a full year and, as such, are invited to dinner with the speakers. The dinners provide an opportunity to make connections and ask questions of these experts in the field. The public lectures will allow all members of the Davidson Community to hear about the latest developments in this fast changing field.