About Us

Developing Future Biologists (DFB) is an educational outreach organization led by graduate students and postdocs at the University of Michigan. Our mission is to ensure that the next generation of biologists, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, can learn the core concepts of developmental biology and are made aware of the vast opportunities that exist to pursue a career in the sciences. DFB organizes a week-long summer short course aimed at teaching undergraduate students fundamental concepts in developmental biology in a small class setting with close instructor-student mentorship. Throughout the week students attend interactive lectures, hands-on lab sections, and professional development workshops.

What makes DFB so great?

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Networking Opportunities

Grow your academic and professional networks through one-on-one advising, interacting with current UM grad students, postdocs, and faculty, and attending career development workshops. Form long-term mentorship with DFB instructors, who can help you advance to the next step in your scientific career.

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Interactive Lectures

Receive a comprehensive education of the basic concepts from leaders in the field of developmental biology. Experience active learning environments at a 3:1 student to instructor ratio.

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Hands-On Labs

Expand your laboratory research skills in a fully-functional developmental biology laboratory. Gain an in-depth understanding of the cutting-edge techniques and model organisms used in modern research labs.

What Opportunities Can DFB Provide?

Whether your next career move is to apply to graduate school, a professional research position, or any other career in science, a comprehensive, working understanding of biological research can help set you apart from other candidates. Through Developing Future Biologists (DFB), you can acquire the knowledge, skills, and network to reach your career goals. Apply today, and help advance your career!

Course Info

Who Can Apply?

Undergraduate students interested in learning the basics of developmental biology who:

  • Will be physically located in the United States or its territories at the time of the Course (U.S. citizenship not required)

  • Must be 18 years of age or older (by time of course)

  • Have successfully completed an introductory biology course

  • Note that priority will be given to students from schools without a strong research program

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Students who identify with one or more of the following groups are

encouraged to apply:

  • Have a physical or mental disability

  • Are from an underrepresented educational, cultural, or geographic background that is underrepresented in graduate study in biology and/or the biomedical sciences in the United States

  • Are from socially, culturally, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds

  • Are a first generation college student

  • Are a first generation U.S. citizen

  • Have dealt with financial hardship due to family economic circumstances

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Course Structure

This is not your average science course! In one action-packed week with all expenses paid, you’ll be immersed in all things developmental biology:

  • Hands-on lab experiments

  • Lectures + active learning

  • Networking opportunities

  • Professional development panels and workshops

THE 2025 DFB student and teaching assistant applications are now open!

Testimonials

““I had no idea there were so many possible careers in the sciences, and it helped me quickly learn about my options after earning my B.S. I am amazed with all of the things I can pursue!”
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Meet the DFB Instructor Team

Contact Us

Email: contactdfb@umich.edu Twitter Instagram Facebook

Follow us on instagram + Twitter!!

During the DFB course we will compare embryonic development in two key model organisms. Our instructors are getting ready with the mouse lab🐭🔬 @umichcdb @umichmedicine
Happy Graduate Student Appreciation Week! At DFB, we're grateful to have five amazing graduate students dedicated to our organization. Thank you for all that you do for DFB! @hannahbanana_schrader @gabbi_gibbi @anatialyaa @ryanrebernick @fgr_921
Thanks to all our donors, #givingblueday 2023 was a huge success! Go Blue!!! @umichmedschool @umforevergoblue @umichcdb
We Love the #givingblueday Cuteness Overload Challenge!!! ❤️ #goblue
Today is #givingblueday!!!💙 Consider donating to our amazing trainee led educational outreach organization. Your donation will help us bring more DFB course alumni back for summer research fellowships and to keep teaching underrepresented undergradu
Giving Blue Day is coming up next Wednesday, March 15. @umforevergoblue @umichcdb @umichmedschool https://givingblueday.org/o/university-of-michigan/i/giving-blueday-2023/s/dfb
Shout-out to our instructors Francisco Gomez-Rivera and Gabrielle Rozumek who were honored to be part of President Santa Ono Inauguration. They represented DFB initiatives and how our amazing program helps to lower the barriers for the next generatio
Giving Blueday 2023 is right on the corner!!! Join us to make an impact on our world and help us to raise funds for our DFB short course. Stay tune and save the date!!!💙💛
We are really excited to share this news with all!! DFB perspective article has been officially published in Development!! Congratulations to the entire team!! 🎉💛💙 If you are interested in reading the article you can find it on here: https://jo