July 9, 2009 - The National Institutes of Health has awarded California State University, Bakersfield a $78,775 grant to prepare students for a future in biomedical research. Announcement of the grant was made today by Congressman Jim Costa, and the funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Advances in medicine have given us the cures for diseases like polio and small pox, as well as medications which have helped extend human life," Costa said in a written statement. "We need to continue investments in this type of research for the 21st century, and I am very happy that CSU Bakersfield was awarded this important grant."

The new funding supplements a six-year $1,366,697 million NIH grant that prepares underrepresented minority CSUB students for a future in biomedical research. Minority Access to Research Careers - Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research, or MARC U*STAR, students participate in extensive academic research, conference presentations, ethics training, and graduate school preparation. Accepted participants receive over $13,000 per academic year in the form of tuition and stipends.

"This supplemental award provides much needed additional funding to support our current efforts," said President Horace Mitchell. "We're increasing the number of underrepresented students graduating in the biomedical sciences and better preparing them to enter Ph.D. programs and careers in biomedical and behavioral research."

The program is proving beneficial as MARC U*STAR trainees have been more successful at gaining entry into a graduate program than they would have otherwise due to their research background and presentations.

"So far, of the 19 graduates of the program, 11 are in or have been admitted to graduate programs and others are waiting to hear from their schools of choice," noted Carl Kemnitz, MARC U*STAR program director. "One of our graduates is heading to optometry school and another is applying to medical school. We're very proud of how well our students are succeeding."

It is anticipated that the supplemental grant funding will provide needed equipment to assist students with research activities.

"We will now be able to purchase state-of-the-art microscopes and other equipment to ensure students are receiving the best possible research experience." Kemnitz said.