"Noble Scholars are not just interns. They are valued members of our research teams. They bring unique perspectives and ideas, and their contribution has been immeasurable."

Richard Dixon, D. Phil. Senior Vice President Director of Plant Biology Division

One summer... That's all the time it takes to discover a passion, explore the unseen worlds of plant science and set a course that can change your life. The Noble Foundation Summer Research Scholars Program offers the opportunity to conduct plant science in a real-world laboratory setting with some of the profession's greatest minds. The Noble Foundation boasts 80 Ph.D. scientists from more than 25 countries, performing cutting-edge plant science research - research that holds the potential to impact global agriculture, influence animal and human health and create alternative energy sources. The Summer Research Scholars Program is more than just an internship; it's a chance to conduct actual research. It's an opportunity to explore endless scientific possibilities. It's a chance to discover your future. What will I be doing? Working side-by-side with a mentor scientist and laboratory members from the Noble Foundation's Plant Biology Division or Forage Improvement Division, Noble Scholars perform a research project specifically tailored to their interests and educational background. Scholars quickly become part of the Noble Foundation research environment. Noble Scholars are involved in all laboratory activities, while conducting experiments to further their own research project. At the conclusion of the program, Noble Scholars present their findings to the Noble Foundation scientific community.

What other research experiences will I have?

Noble Scholars participate in hands-on workshops that allow access to a broad range of research technologies, including x-ray crystallography, confocal microscopy, proteomics/metabolomics and advanced plant transformation techniques.

They will also tour several of the Noble Foundation's research field plots and demonstration farms to see how plant science can benefit production agriculture and, ultimately, impact today's agricultural producers.

Noble Scholars can conduct research in any one of the Noble Foundation research programs. Examples of such programs include:

• Applied Genomics • Biochemistry • Bioinformatics • Cell Biology • Developmental Biology • Genetics/Genomics • Genetics of Disease

• Molecular Biology • Molecular Breeding • Molecular Plant Pathology • Phytochemistry • Structural Biology • Transformation • Viral Evolution

"My time at the Noble Foundation was the beginning of momentous change, a complex rearranging of priorities, a steeling of focus and discovery of new levels of independence. A summer doing research in a cutting-edge molecular biology lab will do that."

Holly Summer Summer 2005 Noble Scholar

Noble Scholars earn $4,400 for the 11-week program (taxes will be deducted from this amount automatically). Noble Scholars work 40 hours per week and payments are made semi-monthly.

The Noble Foundation provides excellent accommodations for all out-of-area Noble Scholars.

The Noble Foundation is located in Ardmore, Okla. With a population of about 30,000, Ardmore offers the privacy and comfort of small town life, while still providing convenient access to entertainment, shopping and restaurant amenities.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Murray is just a few minutes south of town and provides a variety of hiking, biking, camping and water activities. Other outdoor sites include the Arbuckle Mountains, located a few minutes north of Ardmore, the Wichita Mountains (Lawton, Okla.) and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Sulphur, Okla.).

Noble Scholars seeking more metropolitan options only need to take a short car ride. Ardmore is conveniently located halfway between Oklahoma City and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Located an hour and a half away, these cities offer some of the southwestern United States' best restaurants, shopping and entertainment, including touring Broadway musicals and professional sporting events.

"We were five strangers from different walks of life, sharing a summer of work. We left with a sense of loss, reflecting on what has become the greatest experience with the greatest friendships ever forged in 10 weeks."

Aaron Hightower Summer 2007 Noble Scholar

Noble Scholar candidates must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in a college or university within the United States, such program resulting in the award of a baccalaureate or associate's degree;
• Have completed their sophomore year (at least 56 credit hours) with a declared major in a plant science, life science, chemistry or computer science field with appropriate course work (research experience is not required);
• Be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US; and
• Be capable of working 40 hours per week for 11 weeks.

Applications are available online, or candidates can download and fill out the printed application and return it to the Noble Foundation.

Applications for summer 2008 must be submitted on or before January 15, 2008.