Fall 2018

Science 
Undergraduate 
Laboratory 
Internships

Our program begins Monday, August 26, and runs through Friday, December 13, 2019. Each student will be paired with an Ames Laboratory/Iowa State University scientist/mentor for their internship; however, students should also expect to work closely with graduate students. Our program is 16 weeks in length to allow interns sufficient time to write papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals, as suggested by mentors. Each student will also be required to prepare many other assignments.  You will be required under the SULI program to make an oral or poster presentation on the outcome of your research activities, complete a 1500-3000 word research project report, a general audience abstract, and a one-page peer review of another SULI intern's talk or poster prior to the end of the program. Click here for additional information: SULI Deliverables Guidelines

Calendar 

While your internship will naturally revolve around your work in the research laboratory, there will be other opportunities to expand your scientific knowledge through tours and presentations. As details for these events are finalized they will be added to the online calendar. Students will also meet with the internship coordinator regularly to discuss any issues related to their internship. Check calendar (above) for dates and meeting locations. Deadlines for meeting deliverables will also be indicated on the calendar.

Computers

There are several options for computer access during the program:

1) bring your own computer

2) use a department computer (your mentor will alert you to the availability in your assigned department)

3) utilize computer labs located throughout campus

Housing

The apartment complex for fall interns is called Schilletter-University Village (SUV). We will assign you to an apartment before you arrive. Rooming lists will be sent via email. The Web site has photos and layouts of the units. Interns will determine the bedroom assignments in each unit. In addition to what you see on the Web, all apartments have linens and towels. You do not need to provide any of this. There are two desks in each unit. Bringing your own furniture is discouraged. The units are furnished with plenty of furniture, and there isn't a lot of extra floor space for additional items. Laundry facilities are available in a separate building in the apartment complex. IMPORTANT NOTE: All units are non-smoking!

Move-in Days: August 1824 and 25, 2019. Watch your email or access online calendar (above) for additional information.

NOTE: Our program does not provide funding for off-site housing in Ames. This includes students who may already have housing in Ames. We believe part of the overall SULI experience is the growth experience provided by having our student interns live together in on-campus apartments during our internships.  We feel the sharing of information and the camaraderie that comes from after-hours interactions is a valuable take-away from our program, a take-away that can last a lifetime.  We do not mandate that students live in provided housing during their internship, but our program will not fund off-site housing. Please do not ask us to make a concession for you.

Internet Access

There is one jack in each apartment for a DSL modem (issued by the housing staff). You may want to visit with your roommates prior to arrival. If someone is willing to bring a wireless router, it will eliminate running cables to each computer.

Meal Plan

Your apartment has a fully equipped kitchen (appliances, pots, pans, utensils, and dinnerware). However, if you would like to purchase an ISU dining plan, you can log onto AccessPlus to select a plan that works for your schedule. AccessPlus requires an ISU Network ID and password--which will be issued to each of you on orientation day. Before purchasing a dining plan, please note the dining venues that are located near your laboratory and their hours of operation. Meal plans are not provided by Ames Lab nor does Ames Lab have a cafeteria.

Apartment Parking

Designated parking stalls are available at the SUV apartment complex. You will get permits on orientation day--you won't get a ticket during the move-in weekend.

Iowa State University

To learn more about our beautiful campus, click on the Iowa State University Web site. 

Living in Ames

The City of Ames has much to offer--parks, transportation, events, and more!!

Maps

Driving Directions to Schilletter-University Village housing

Schilletter-University Village complex map

ISU Campus map

Orientation

Mandatory orientation will be held on the morning of August 26 in room 140 TASF (Technical Administrative Services Facility). A campus map can be found in the "Maps" section above. You will not have parking passes for campus, so give yourself time to get here on foot or bicycle or bus. Please bring one form of government-issued identification (i.e. driver's license), medical insurance information, and emergency contact information. Orientation will take most of the morning with training in the afternoon. You will complete employment forms, computer access forms, meet your mentors (optional), get parking permits, and attend basic lab training.

Laboratory Supplies 

Laboratory coats, safety glasses, and lab notebooks are required for work in the laboratory. The SULI program will pay for these expenses.

Pay / Stipend

All SULI interns will receive a stipend of $500 per week for the 16-week internship period. You will be paid by Iowa State University.  Checks will arrive every 4 weeks, so plan accordingly. Sorry, direct deposit is not an option for stipend payments. SULI participants are not Ames Lab (or ISU) employees; therefore, students will not receive a W2 at income tax time.  Each will receive a 1099-MISC (sent to the permanent address indicated on your application).   The stipend is taxable income.  Please check with your tax preparer if you have questions about filing your tax return.

Preprogram Survey 

Log back into the Department of Energy SULI website to complete the preprogram survey. It isn't due until after you arrive on campus, but it would be in your best interest to do as much as you can before your arrival.

Public Transportation

The Ames bus system (CyRide) provides a cost-effective way to get back and forth to the Ames Laboratory from your apartment. Take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Reimbursement for Travel

The maximum amount for travel reimbursement is $500. You will make your own travel arrangements. You can move in as early as Sat., August 24. This is a federal program, therefore, federal policies apply to travel.You must contact Deb (515-294-9557) by August 1 with your travel plans. We need to know your departure and return cities, method of travel, flight numbers, etc. (This will help us coordinate airport shuttles and aparment key distribution.) The program will reimburse round trip airfare (including ground transportation and checked bags); or round trip mileage only--no hotels or meals during travel status. When the round trip is completed after April 28, the reimbursement forms will be submitted. You should get your reimbursement check mid May. Contact Deb with questions.

Shuttle 

Airport shuttle schedules will be emailed to air travelers prior to arrival.

What do I bring with me

Bring yourself and your clothes. Everything from linen to kitchenware is provided with the apartments--this also includes computer hookup and cable TV. Computers are optional (see computer section).

What to Wear

The dress code is casual (jeans, khakis). Ask your mentor if your work environment has additional requirements (closed-toed shoes, etc.) Lab coats and safety glasses will be provided, if required. The poster presentation will require business attire, so plan accordingly. 

What we DO NOT provide 

- Meals. You are on your own for all meals except those we designate as provided. Apartments have kitchens, pots, pans, dishes, etc. Meal plans are available (see above).

- Transportation in and around Ames. City buses are available (see Public Transportation for maps and bus routes).

- Payment for any outside activities, such as ball games, canoe trips, etc. will be the responsibility of each student.

- Arrangement of travel to Ames. You must make your own flight or driving arrangements (remember to confirm plans with Deb). 

- Membership in Iowa State University fitness facilities--students can purchase their own passes for this, however. 

What will my weekly schedule include

Forty hours a week is the normal work week. It will be up to you and your mentor to determine your schedule. Also, we will schedule progress meetings and possibly some "out-of-laboratory" activities. In addition to your research experience, we try to enjoy some leisure activities.

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