Office of the Dean

Minority Science Programs (MSP)

Program Announcement

Program Director

Dr. Luis Mota-Bravo, Director of Outreach, Research Training and Minority Science Programs (MSP), School of Biological Sciences

Applications will be reviewed starting on Friday May 10, 2013 until all the fellowships are filled.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Minority Science Programs (MSP) in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) announces the Minority Biomedical Research Support Program (MBRS), funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The program seeks to prepare underrepresented minority undergraduates for exciting careers in biomedical research. MBRS provides academic preparation to excel in college, paid research training, information about career choices and opportunities for mentorship with biomedical researchers. After the initial academic preparation and training, eligible MBRS students work in faculty laboratories as research trainees and receive financial compensation as full-time employees in the summer and part-time during the academic year. The summer monthly salary ranges from $1,120 to $1,270 depending on their academic level. Research areas include stem cell research, biology of cancer, infectious diseases, genetic diseases, anatomy, neurobiology, immunology, bioinformatics, developmental and evolutionary biology, among others.

 

In addition to paid research opportunities, MBRS students attend faculty seminars, laboratory workshops, tutoring, journal club, scientific communications workshops, national conferences, a science writing class, graduate school guidance and career and academic advisement.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents from underrepresented minority groups (Black African-Americans, Chicano/Latino Americans, Native Americans, and Natives of the U.S. Pacific Islands) enrolled at UCI in an area within biomedical sciences; including biology, chemistry, mathematics, engineering and computer sciences. Freshmen should apply before their first quarter at UCI. Sophomore, junior and senior biology majors should have completed one year of chemistry with a grade B or better. All applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.0, however, exceptions can be made for students showing an upward trend in their grades.

 

RESEARCH TRAINING AREAS

Students participating in MBRS receive training in biomedical research. Research training areas include natural, physical and behavioral sciences and mathematics relevant to biomedical research. Freshmen receive training in structured research experiences provided directly by MBRS. Sophomores may choose to participate in research experiences provided directly by MBRS or they may choose their research advisor among faculty in the School of Biological Sciences, College of Medicine, School of Physical Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Information and Computer Science, and School of Social Ecology that are conducting biomedical research. Research areas include Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology, Pathology, Neurobiology, Anatomy, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Toxicology and Epidemiology.

 

BENEFITS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND TIMETABLE

The MBRS Program provides academic preparation and financial support as apprentice scientists in UCI laboratory to gain laboratory skills and research experience.

MBRS is an exciting and challenging academic experience. Selected participants receive the following benefits:

• Facilitated study groups in chemistry and mathematics designed to excel in college, particularly during the first and second year
• Workshops on chemical applications in biomedical sciences for freshmen
• Mentoring and guidance by UCI faculty, graduate students and senior undergraduates pursuing biomedical research careers
• Introduction to the research facilities in the UCI School of Biological Sciences and College of Medicine through laboratory tours
• Field trips to other research institutions
• Academic and career advisement
• Financial compensation as full time employees in the summer and part-time during the academic year
• Training in principles, instrumentation and techniques used in modern biomedical sciences
• Faculty seminar series where invited biomedical professionals share their experiences at universities, industry and government agencies
• Career planning and guidance to apply to research doctorate programs
• Financial support to present research findings at national conferences

 

Fellows are expected to participate in all MBRS activities designed for their level, including faculty seminars, laboratory workshops, tutoring, journal club, scientific communications workshops, local and national conferences, graduate school guidance and career and academic advisement.

 

Bio Sci 194S Safety and Ethics course is mandatory prior to engaging in research training at UCI.

 

Beginning in the sophomore year, MBRS fellows are expected to enroll in the MSP Seminar Series (Bio 197) during their participation in the program.

 

During the junior year, MBRS students are required to participate in Excellence in Research. For this purpose, MBRS students enroll in Bio Sci 196W Science Writing, a course specifically designed to prepare the paper to be published at the School's Journal of Undergraduate Research in the Biological Sciences.

 

The following timetable shows the MBRS activities during the academic year and the summer.

APPLICATION

Applications will be accepted until all the positions are filled. You may download the MS Word MBRS application package that contains the MBRS Application Form and Statement of Purpose Form.

 

For additional information about MBRS please contact:

Dr. Marlene de la Cruz

Associate Director

Minority Science Programs

University of California, Irvine

1134 Biological Sciences III

Irvine, CA 92697-2527

 

Ph: (949) 824-2589

Fax: (949) 824-6599

e-mail: marlene@uci.edu