050608_OSItrue1334586686108acckfpOSI, Biology, Fellowship, Hofstra University, University Relations, Media, Press Release, Public Relations, Earth Day, Center for Civic Engagement, Educate '08Expansion of Summer Research Fellowship/Hofstra_Main_Site/Home/News/PressReleases/Archive/050608_OSIprpkmd1210100195670prpkmd1210100843717Press Release Sub TitleCreates more opportunities for Hofstra StudentsPress Release TitleHofstra University Announces Expansion of Summer Research FellowshipPress Release Date2008/05/06Kate DavisUniversity RelationsHofstra Hall516-463-6816516-463-5146Katie.Davis@hofstra.eduUniversity Relations//Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University announced they have expanded its 10-week paid summer research fellowship for juniors or seniors in the Department of Biology. The expanded program is being funded by the OSI Pharmaceuticals Foundation.  Prior to this year, Hofstra provided the research fellowship to one student in a hospital setting and two students on campus.  With OSI’s support, the program will increase the number of student recipients to two and three, respectively.  

OSI Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Melville, Long Island is committed to “shaping medicine and changing lives” by discovering, developing and commercializing high-quality and novel pharmaceutical products designed to extend life and improve the quality of life for patients with cancer and diabetes/obesity.  The fellowship was created by Dr. Stan Shanies, an alumnus ‘61 and adjunct professor of biology at Hofstra, and it has been in place for more than 10 years.  The goal of the fellowship is to provide students the opportunity to pursue high level biological or medical research during their summer break.

“We started this effort as a mechanism to provide students who want to do research with the financial freedom to spend 10 weeks focused in an atmosphere that closely mimics experiences in government, academic, and private research facilities,” said Biology Chair and Professor Robert Seagull, who runs the program. “The additional support from OSI will allow us to expand our efforts and provide our top students with real world research opportunities that strengthen the student's resolve to proceed with careers in medicine or biological research.”

Warren G. Frisina, dean of Honors College said that Hofstra has many students engaged in high level research on its campus throughout the school year. “This program is very exciting because it allows us to bring faculty mentors together with students during the summer months when those students are best able to focus their attention on mastering the art of scientific discovery," he said.

The fellowship will enable students to research a subject of their choice while pursuing specific research objectives. At the beginning of the fellowship, the students will meet with OSI representatives to explain their upcoming research, and at the conclusion, the students will present their findings to both Hofstra faculty and OSI representatives.  These opportunities give the students a chance to interact with professional biotechnology researchers and medical doctors while expanding their research skills and knowledge. 

For more information on the internship program, please contact Biology Chair Robert Seagull robert.w.seagull@hofstra.edu.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from about 145 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, our professors teach small classes averaging 22 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. Hofstra offers a faculty whose highest priority is teaching excellence, cutting edge technology, extensive library resources, internships and special educational programs that appeal to their interests and abilities.  The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.

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