Each year, the Hauptman-Woodward Institute hosts a Student Apprentice Program for college and university students. The program is supported by local companies, foundations, and individuals.

The overall purpose of apprenticeships is not only to encourage students to pursue careers in the sciences, but also to make them aware of the exciting career opportunities that exist in Western New York. HWI offers students the opportunity to work with world-renowned scientists using state-of-the-art equipment in the fields of molecular biology, crystal growth, X-ray diffraction, and computerized data analysis. Each apprentice is assigned to a specific project and is mentored by a Ph.D.-level scientist. Students obtain hands-on experience, complete challenging experiments, and learn new concepts. They tell us that one of the aspects of the program that they enjoy the most is the opportunity to talk about science with the Institute’s president, Nobel-Laureate Herbert Hauptman.

Most students spend 10-14 weeks on their project, and some also return during their winter and spring breaks. At the end of the summer, each student makes a short presentation about his or her work in front of the mentors and the other students. An apprenticeship at HWI complements other educational experiences and equips students with knowledge and skills that are useful when they enter the workplace.

If you are interested in becoming a student apprentice, please contact Dr. Jane F. Griffin, Coordinator of the Summer Apprentice Program, at (716) 898-8618 or by e-mail at griffin@hwi.buffalo.edu

Many thanks to the sponsors of our 2008 program:
Erie County, the East Hill Foundation, the Verizon Foundation, Josephine Goodyear Foundation, Ebenezer United Church of Christ, and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Center-Renaissance Fund.

Information and application form can be downloaded here:
     • Word Document
     • PDF File