Choose Development! Fellow Application

Choose Development! Fellow Application - 2026
The Society for Developmental Biology (SDB) Choose Development! program, will provide you with two consecutive summers (contingent upon satisfactory evaluation) of full-time undergraduate research in a laboratory focused on an aspect of developmental biology that interests you. Please complete the attached application for the opportunity to become an undergraduate Fellow of the Society for Developmental Biology.

Applications cannot be saved and returned to later. It is therefore recommended that you preview the questions and prepare your answers offline before beginning the online application. Deadline Extended: February 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.

About the Choose Development! Program

Mission: The goal of the Choose Development Program is to increase the number of undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and institutions that enter graduate programs in the field of developmental biology, on their way to becoming independent researchers.

Eligibility:
1. Undergraduate student enrolled full-time in college or university within the United States or U.S. territory.
2. U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Research: All SDB Choose Development! Fellows are assigned an academic mentor (SDB member) with whom they will conduct research in developmental biology and related areas. If you are already working in the laboratory of an SDB member and you intend to remain there for the summer, you both must each apply to the program. Fellows will additionally be assigned a laboratory mentor to provide day-to-day hands-on laboratory training. Fellows will not be isolated on their campuses since they will be connected to peers in their respective institutions' undergraduate summer research program. Fellows will be assessed throughout the duration of the program for progress in their academic careers and for continued interest in developmental biology research.

SDB Meeting: SDB Choose Development! Fellows are expected to present the results of their 2026 summer research at a 2027 SDB Regional Meeting or the 2027 SDB Annual Meeting. Registration fees will be waived and travel assistance provided for the Fellow and their academic or laboratory mentor. Fellows will be acknowledged at the meeting and have the opportunity to connect with their peers.

Duration: 10 weeks for two consecutive summers

Housing/Travel: SDB will subsidize campus housing for Fellows and travel to that city

Stipend: $5500 per summer

Applicant Information
Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
E-mail*
example@example.com
Cell Number*
Current College/University*
Year in School*
Expected Graduation Date*

Choose Development! Program
How did you hear about the Society for Developmental Biology and the Choose Development! program?*

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What do you hope to gain by becoming a Choose Development! Fellow and doing research in an SDB member's lab?*

0/250
Select the Choose Development! Program path you are applying for.*

Option 1: To do research in the lab of an SDB member at my home institution for the summerOption 2: To be matched to an SDB member lab at a different institution for summer research
If you selected Option 1, please list the name, email and phone number of the PI who you plan to work with this summer. This PI must complete a separate Choose Development! Mentor application. Note: It is okay ask this PI to also write your letter of recommendation (a separate form from the Mentor application).

Additional Required Information
Attach School Transcript (Unofficial)*

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Letter of Recommendation

One letter of recommendation must be submitted on your behalf from a scientific advisor (if you have previous research experience), an academic advisor, or a faculty member who knows your academic interests and potential. The letter must be submitted by your letter writer online by February 1, 2026 to https://form.jotform.com/252815332390151.
Reference Name:*
Title:*
E-mail:*
example@example.com
Phone:*
Deadline for receipt of completed application: February 1, 2026 (11: 59 PM ET). Incomplete applications will be rejected without review.
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Choose Development! Fellow Application - 2026

Applicant Information

Demographics

Choose Development! Program

Tell Us About Yourself

Your Future Plans and Goals

Your Laboratory Experience

Research Interests

Additional Required Information