<p>Hi guys,
I'm interested in Garcia MRSEC and was wondering if it's an exclusively engineering-oriented program or if there are projects based in the biological sciences as well.</p>
<p>From my knowledge it seems engineering centric.</p>
<p>I participated in the program last year, and I worked on this project with a small group of fellow interns: “Cell Growth, Cytoskeletal Structure, and Protein Expression in the Presence of Cloisite Na+” It was very much a “biology/chemistry” project, and did not really have to do with engineering. Once you arrive at SUNY Stony Brook, you will be allowed to really narrow your interests and be matched with a project that suits you and your career goals, and that doesn’t necessarily have to be an engineer. You can definitely choose a project that is as related or unrelated to engineering as possible.</p>
<p>In my opinion, and my experiences, the fine line between “engineering” and “physical/life science” seemed to be crossed in all projects. You definitely need the creativity of an engineer combined with hard scientific knowledge to succeed in research at Garcia. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t say Garcia is a predominately engineering research program, but a great environment that cultivates acumen and genius so that interns can succeed in whatever field they choose. I know a lot of my friends from the program are applying to college as engineers, but quite a few are also applying as biology, chemistry, computer science, pre-med, and even environmental science majors, because Garcia has given all of us the opportunity to discover what interests us.</p>
<p>I would say don’t hesitate to apply to Garcia because you’re afraid of “polymers” or “engineering” because the benefits of Garcia are the experiences you will have, the fostering environment, and people you will meet.</p>
<p>mitboundyolo, I have a question for you. What’s the deal with the expenses, the information on the page is confusing. There’s no residential/food/travel allowance and there’s a $1550 “lab fee”. Is the expense worth it?</p>
<p>How prestigious and selective is this summer program? I got accepted but I don’t know how important that is! Are the expenses and the work worth it? How impressive will it be on an application?</p>
<p>Group on Facebook for participants!
Search for “Garcia Research Program 2014” on Facebook and you should find it.</p>