The goal of CSUB’s Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC U*STAR) program is to increase the number of well-trained students applying to and getting into Ph.D. programs in the Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences. The program supports undergraduate students who are underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences to enhance preparation for entrance into graduate programs at the Ph.D. level. Applicants must be students majoring in the fields of either Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, or Psychology who have a real and committed desire to pursue postgraduate studies leading to a Ph.D. in the biomedical and behavioral fields. The period of appointment to the MARC U*STAR program is a consecutive 24-month period during the final 2 years of undergraduate study when students are in their junior and senior years. The cornerstone of the program is to support undergraduate student research and to support faculty that serve as faculty research sponsors.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Commit to two (2) years in the program beginning in the junior year
• Engage in research part-time during the regular school year and full-time during the 10 week summer period at either CSUB or at an partner UC campus
• Plan to pursue a Ph.D.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be enrolled full-time at CSUB
• Have earned a minimum of 90 university units and junior status
• Have an overall GPA of at least 3.1 or higher (also in the major)
• Have a Research Faculty Mentor doing research in the biomedical and behavioral fields

Students will receive:

• Up to $14,000.00 stipend to support research activity and tuition yearly
• One-on-one research mentoring
• Funding for laboratory supplies
• Placement in a summer research experience with a paid stipend either at CSUB or at a partner UC campus with lodging and travel paid
• Specialized workshops and seminars on promoting research skills, the understanding of bioethics, critical thinking skills, as well as leaderships skillsAssistance with graduate application fees & GRE fees
• Funding for travel to scientific meetings
• Funding to visit graduate programs