• Incoming IU freshmen with strong academic preparation and a passion for scientific research.
• Students with identified major on the Selective Scholarship Application (SSA) in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, or neuroscience, although others may be considered on a case by case basis and fit within program parameters.
• IFLE utilizes the SSA. See the Apply page for details regarding academic eligibility.

• Summer housing and meals are provided at no cost.
• Academic year housing and meal expenses will be at the regular IU rate and your responsibility.
• Eligible students will receive a $1000 scholarship during the academic freshman year if enrolled both H111 and H112.

Phase 1: Summer Research        
June 19 – July 29, 2017

IFLE students will spend six to eight hours weekdays in a research lab. They will receive research training from their faculty mentor and lab members. Students often begin with reading and discussing current research papers published by the lab to get a better understanding of the focus of the lab research. They will be given a specific project to work on during the six weeks.

Students will gather weekly with the IFLE academic faculty. To gain experience with writing and presenting research findings, students will present a lab technique to the group, participate in academic discussions, write a research outline on their research project, and present their research at a closing program. Additional activities include lab safety training, facility tours, exposure to current research through lunches with IU faculty, among others. The informal and small setting offers discussion and question and answer opportunities.

During evenings and weekends, students have plenty of free time.  However, Undergraduate Student Mentors, all former IFLE participants, provide activities and events to help students get to know each other and to learn more about campus and the Bloomington community.

• Become part of a research lab at IU for six weeks before college begins, choosing a lab that matches your interests.
• Work on an independent project with mentoring from faculty and graduate students.
• Learn to present your research in written and oral presentation form.
• Gain exposure to ongoing research and IU facilities through tours and talks.
• Learn your way around campus
• Summer housing in an IU dorm along with a meal plan are provided at no cost

• Eight-credit course includes lectures with corresponding lab components
• Three modules proceed from genes to proteins to cellular systems.
• Inquiry-based format engages students through group experiments.

The IFLE summer research and honors course provide excellent preparation for future courses and opportunities. The academic IFLE courses fulfill the requirements for L112 and L113.

IFLE students have the option of continuing in their research lab or exploring a different lab.

Biology, Biochemistry and Psychology/Neuroscience departments offer course credit for lab research through an Individual Study Program. See your advisor for more details..

IFLE scholars may apply to the IU STARS (Science, Techology, and Research Scholars) during the spring of their freshman year (deadline is April 1st). Accepted scholars join STARS in the beginning of their sophomore years. To be eligible, students must be active in a research lab and have maintained at least a 3.5000 G.P.A. Some IFLE scholars will be invited to join STARS immediately following the IFLE summer component (Phase 1).