The

—

MBI
Undergraduate
Summer
Training Programme

—

a.k.a

M.U.S.T

What You ‘MUST’ Know
—

The MBI Undergraduate Summer Training (or MUST) Programme is MBI’s internship for university students who aspire to be future mechanobiologists. For one summer, interns will transcend the boundaries of biology, physics and engineering to dissect the mechanics underlying biological functions. The cutting-edge research at MBI is led by an interdisciplinary team of tissue, cell and molecular biologists, biophysicists and bioengineers, who will guide and equip you with the necessary knowledge, skillset and acumen of a researcher to further your career in mechanobiology.

_

Dates: 20 May – 19 July 2024
Venue: Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Application Period: 15 November 2023 – 31 January 2024

What you get to
have
—

> Explore mechanobiology and work on impactful, multidisciplinary research

> Immersive experience in a world-class research institute at the 8th best university in the world

> Access to core facilities services and top-of-the-line equipment

> Work closely with amazing mentors in a rich, interactive environment

> Interact with the MBI community in small groups and informal settings

What you get to
do
—

> Undertake your very own research project with a lab in MBI, through which you will (1) prepare an interim summary of your research and (2) give a final poster presentation of your findings to the MBI community

> Undergo tutorials and lab training to develop theoretical understanding, practical techniques and presentation skills

> Participate in activities beyond the lab, such as our MBI seminars and student-led events

> Get a glimpse of what last year’s interns did!

What else you
also get
—

> Monthly stipend of S$1,000

> Travel allowance (partially covers air fare)

> Accommodation (confirmed for international interns; twin-sharing)

> Productive and fun summer experience in tropical Singapore!

The Research Projects
—

Explore more about the research of each lab by clicking the project titles below. You will have to choose and rank the lab(s) of your interest during the application, and if selected for the programme, then proceed to choose one of the research project(s) the lab offers.

Interactions Between Microtubules and Integrin-Based Adhesions in Endothelial Cells
PI: Alexander BERSHADSKY

Squeezing the Eggs to Grow: Developmental Mechanics during Ovarian Follicle Development
PI: Chii Jou CHAN

Studying Viability Cells under Confinement with Different Density under Vertical Confinement
PI: Andrew HOLLE

2D Confinement of Stem Cells via Microcontact Printing
PI: Andrew HOLLE

Collective Cell Behavior in Response to Extracellular Mechanical Stimuli
PI: Tsuyoshi HIRASHIMA

Spatial Biology for Male Reproductive Tracts
PI: Tsuyoshi HIRASHIMA

Development of a Comprehensive Toolset for Interrogating Transcription Control in Mechanotransduction
PI: Rong LI

Age-associated Functional Decline in Fibroblasts and its Impact on the Dermal Tissue Microenvironment
PI: Rong LI

Quantitative Analysis of Spheroid Invasion of the Multicellular Barrier
PI: LOW Boon Chuan

Mechanobiology of Cancer Invasion
PI: Chwee Teck LIM

Clearance of Dead Cells
PI: Yusuke TOYAMA

Mechanical Activation of adhesion GPCRs
PI: Jie YAN

Extracellular Matrix Mechanobiology and Biomaterials Design
PI: Jennifer YOUNG

The Application Process
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‘MUST’ered the interest to join the programme? Just follow these three steps to apply for a spot. We look forward to receiving your applications and having you join us!

Check the
requirements
—

> Are you a student with strong academic background in STEM?

> Are you registered in an undergraduate programme in any university across the globe?

> Have you completed your first year of undergraduate study at the time the programme begins?

> Able to commit to the entire duration of the programme?

> Have an interest in pursuing a Ph.D.?

> Have prior research experience (preferred)?

How to
apply
—

> Download, complete and sign your:

1. APPLICATION FORM
(You may use the free Acrobat Reader to fill in the form)

> Also, get ready your:

2. UNDERGRADUATE TRANSCRIPT
(in English)

3. CURRICULUM VITAE
(Max. 2 pages)

4. STATEMENT OF INTEREST
(Max. 1 page)

> Attach and email the FOUR documents by 31 JAN 2024 to mbibox13@nus.edu.sg

After you
accept
—

> Successful applicants will be notified by MID MAR 2024 by email

> After accepting the offer, further documentation will be required and the necessary procedures for Training and Employment Pass application will be advised (applicable only for overseas candidates). Processing time may take 4-6 weeks.

Any
enquiries?
—

> Email us at mbibox13@nus.edu.sg

The Reviews
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“MBI is a diverse and vibrant community and I would definitely consider it for my graduate studies. The hands-on lab experience and cutting-edge equipment were a great opportunity for me to enhance my knowledge and skills. The interdisciplinary approach to looking at problems here is what attracted me to this programme and my expectations have been exceeded! Thank you!”
— Mansimar Kaur (IISER-Mohali), MUST 2023 Intern

“I am so grateful that I got this opportunity to be at MBI. I learned a lot on what I am passionate about. Thank you, MBI, for hosting this programme. I have had two previous internship experiences and this is the best internship programme which has provided me with all the knowledge and mentors who care about you.”
— Grace Debora (University of Indonesia), MUST 2023 Intern