Frequently Asked Questions

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It is not necessary to have a faculty mentor or be in a research lab before applying. Prospective applicants should talk to program personnel to identify research interests and identify steps in finding a faculty mentor.

The program is designed for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. program.

Students will apply for Ph.D. programs during the fall semester of their final undergraduate year.

Although U-RISE does not provide direct fee waivers, many Ph.D. programs offer application fee waivers to U-RISE scholars. Furthermore, interaction with research institutions at national conferences such as ABRCMS may potentially lead to an offer to an application fee waiver.

Workshops and seminars offered through the U-RISE program are designed as a series of professional development opportunities for scholars. Some of the workshops include resume/CV development, presentation skills, and peer critique of research efforts.

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Useful Tips for Students

The following advice can help you be successful in a research program.

  • Socialize and Network.
    Take time to meet other students, faculty, and researchers with different research interests.
  • Always Ask Questions.
    Satiate your curiosity and never leave questions unanswered!
  • Prioritize and Manage Your Time.
    Find a good balance between research and academic coursework. Also set soft deadlines in case additional time is needed to fix mistakes.
  • Take Advantage of Resources Available to You.
    Attend workshops, seminars, research symposiums, and conferences! These are great times to develop your knowledge, network, and hone your skills.
  • Develop Your Toolbox of Skills.
    What is your ultimate career goal? Look at skillsets that will make you rise above the rest. Presentation skills, manuscript writing, and grant writing are just a few of the great skills to develop as a researcher.

The U-RISE Program is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH) (T34GM149378).