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The overall objective of the UCSD IMSD program is to increase the number of students
from disadvantaged social and economic backgrounds, students with disabilities, and
students from minority groups that are under-represented in science who enroll in a Ph.D
programs and successfully graduate. It is expected that this program will also increase
the number of faculty members at major U.S. universities from these groups.
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These objectives will be met by: |
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Enrolling freshman and sophomore students in a basic methodology training
laboratory (BMTL), where they learn the ABCs of scientific work. In the BMTL,
students are individually trained by skilled laboratory personnel and instructed
in the theoretical basis of the procedures that they are performing. In
addition, these students are introduced to scientific thinking, data analysis
and presentation, lectures on personal development, and scientific careers. At
the end of the training period, students choose a mentor-research laboratory
where they will be hosted for the next year or more. Students will receive
compensation based on 8-hours of work per week.
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Mentoring undergraduate students in a research laboratory and motivating them to
enroll in a Ph.D. program. Students will participate in hands-on, bench research
projects under the supervision of established, well-funded investigators. In
addition, students will participate in normal laboratory activities, such as
group meetings and journal clubs. Students will attend Office of Graduate
Studies (OGS) workshops and a peer mentoring program. At the end of each
training period, students will write a summary of their research activity and
present the results at an annual retreat. IMSD scholars will be supported for
the duration of the program (up to 15 hr/week during the academic year and 40
hr/week during summer). Scholars will be assisted in the preparation of graduate
school applications.
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Supporting graduate students for one year and helping them to obtain individual
fellowships to support them during the completion of their Ph.D. degree.
Students will be encouraged to continue training as postdoctoral fellows upon
graduation, and information will be provided regarding strategies for competing
for faculty positions at research universities.
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In summary, this program is directed at mentoring students beginning at the early
stages of their education through the completion of a Ph.D. degree program and during
the search for faculty positions.
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