Internships

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (CPI UGTA)

1. 1. CPI Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (CPI UGTA) teach a 3-hour lab, attend the instructor meeting each week, and grade assignments. 
   2. Courses that a CPI UGTA can TA are:  Biology I (BIOL 1101L),  Introductory Microbiology (BIOL 2233L), Anatomy and Physiology I & II (BIOL 2227L or 2228L), and Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I & II (BIOL 3301L or BIOL 3302L).
   3. CPI UGTAs can work up to; 1) 9 hours per week for one lab section, or 2) 18 hours per week for two lab sections. Hours spent on the following are approved CPI UGTA activities for time submission:
      • time spent in the teaching laboratory with the registered students assisting the instructor, instructing the students, and/or guiding the students
      • lab instructor meetings
      • office hours (when teaching your section)
      • exam proctoring
      • grading and entering grades
      • preparation of lab reagents and supplies
      • preparation of course content such as introduction and quiz presentations
      • maintenance of the laboratory
   4. Students entering the CPI UGTA program for the first time are encouraged to register for the Biology Teaching Assistant Seminar: BIOL 4499 (1 credit).

To apply for a CPI UGTA position:

1. Identify the appropriate application window for the upcoming semester:
   • February 1 - February 15 for the upcoming Summer semester
   • April 15 - April 30 for the upcoming Fall semester
   • November 15 - November 30 for the upcoming Spring semester
2. Assemble your application materials:
   • Unofficial transcript
   • Résumé highlighting your experiences that are relevant for the position you are applying for
   • One paragraph explaining your interest in teaching biology, and which lab course(s) you feel would benefit from that interest.
   • List of BIOL courses you have taken at ISU with the names of your instructors (both lab and lecture instructor when applicable). I may contact any of these instructors as a reference check for your application.
   • For each lab course you are interested in teaching, use the class schedule to identify and list all of the lab sections that you would be available to teach in the upcoming semester.
3. Submit the application materials via a professional email to Dr. Anna Grinath, Subject: UGTA application

Research Assistant (CPI RA)

Undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences have opportunities to conduct research with a departmental principal investigator (PI) as a CPI Research Assistant (CPI RA).

CPI RAs can work 5 - 10 hours per week (10 - 20 per pay period). Time spent on the following activities will be submitted to and approved by the research PI:

• time spent conducting research
• lab meetings
• training
• preparation of lab reagents and supplies
• maintenance of the laboratory

To express interest in a CPI RA with a specific PI:

1. Explore the different types of research happening in the Department of Biological Sciences by reviewing faculty webpages.
2. Identify research programs that interest you and/or look for flyers advertising CPI RA positions posted on the bulletin boards around the Department of Biological Sciences.
3. Talk with the PI about your interest in their research by A. sending the PI a professional email expressing your interest in their research and/or B. attending the social hour (Thursdays, 3:30p-4p, Gale Life Sciences lobby) to chat informally about research and CPI RA opportunities with faculty, graduate students, and other undergraduate students.