Bates College, founded in 1855 by Maine abolitionists, is a liberal arts and sciences college recognized for the quality of educational experiences it provides. Bates offers its 1,750 students a curriculum and faculty that challenge them to attain intellectual achievements and to develop powers of critical assessment, analysis, expression, and independent thought. The student-faculty ratio is under 10:1, and all classes and laboratory sessions are taught by PhD faculty. Bates offers 39 fields of study (33 majors) and opportunities for guided interdisciplinary study. Additionally, Bates is one of a small number of colleges and universities requiring a senior thesis/capstone experience in all majors. The thesis enables students to benefit from the opportunity for closely guided research, writing, performance, or studio work. One-quarter of seniors graduate with majors in mathematics or a scientific discipline, and 45 percent of Bates alumni who earn a PhD do so in the life sciences, physical sciences, geosciences, math, or computer sciences. The acceptance rate for Bates alumni into graduate science and professional programs routinely exceeds 85%.
INBRE is increasing biomedical research at Bates through state-of-the-art equipment and support for faculty and student research. In 2007, the college opened the Bates College Imaging and Computing Center with INBRE support. The new facility brings under one roof the latest in imaging and analysis technology. Over the next year Bates will be working on establishing a dedicated molecular biology research suite to consolidate in one central facility the college’s current equipment and new instrumentation purchased through INBRE. The new facility will increase the focus on molecular biology and comparative functional genomics in the Bates curriculum.
Academic Year Research Assistants
Funds are available to support students to assist faculty in research projects during the academic year. The Research Assistant Program offers an opportunity for first or second-year students to gain experience in the lab. Funds are also available for seniors to complete the writing of a senior thesis manuscript based on biomedical research.
Summer Research Fellowships
The INBRE Summer Research Fellowship Program pairs individual students with a federally-funded biomedical researcher in the statewide network of the student’s choice for a 10-week hands-on summer research experience. Funding is provided for lodging, food, and supplies for student participants.
Summer Research Fellowships are also available annually to students to work with faculty at Bates on original biomedical research projects.
Laboratory Experience at the MDI Biological Laboratory
Each year, Bates students have the opportunity to participate in a two-week laboratory experience at the MDI Biological Laboratory during spring break. The course focuses on using molecular biology techniques for genetic research. Past courses have included topics such as Experimental Neuro/Physiology and Prokaryotic Genetics.
Travel to Scientific Meetings
Students have the opportunity to travel to national, regional, and state conferences to present their research.