2007 Annual Report

Training Programs
Through VARI training programs, students learn what a career in science involves by working in the laboratory, and postdoctoral
fellows gain critical work experience before moving on to laboratories of their own. All further VARI projects through their work
conducted under the mentorship of VARI scientific investigators.
Postdoctoral Fellowships
Internships
Scientists beginning their research
careers after graduate school advance
their knowledge and research
experience as postdoctoral fellows,
working on VARI projects under the
mentorship of a scientific investigator.
They also attend seminars, interact with
graduate students studying at VARI,
participate in outreach programs, and
attend social events through the Office
of Postdoctoral Fellows.
College and university students work in
VARI labs and help to define their career
paths through internships, including
those that are a part of the Frederik and
Lena Meijer Student Internship Program.
Through this program, students are
mentored by professionals in their chosen
research field during an intense 10-week
experience.
“I’ve never regretted choosing VARI over a fellowship
at Harvard—the smaller size, top-of-the-line
equipment and facilities, principal investigators that
are accessible, energetic and passionate about their
research, and the affordable, family-friendly location
have all made for a great experience.”
—Postdoctoral Fellow Jenn White, Ph.D.
“You learn current research methods and
technologies, but also how to design experiments
and communicate results. There is great training
on presentation skills and communicating and
collaborating with other researchers.”
—University of Michigan student Theresa Gipson
Van Andel Research Institute