The
BSURE/STEP-UP Program at UMBC is a comprehensive summer research program for talented students who are dedicated to the advancement of
underrepresented groups in the sciences and mathematics. This program is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK). Students selected for this internship will experience state-of-the-art scientific research and are encouraged to consider and pursue biomedical research careers in areas of specific interest to the NIDDK.
Application is made directly to NIDDK through either their on-line application or from their downloadable paper application - both of which are linked to our website. In addition to the application, interested students are required to submit: (1) official copies of their college transcripts, (2) two letters of recommendation and (3) to write a 600-word essay that describes their reasons
for wanting to participate in this undergraduate research opportunity,
and explains their specific research interests. Applicants wanting to intern with a specific mentor should also include their top
choices for a research mentor along with the location. Applicants not identifying a potential mentor will be assigned a suitable match utilizing the applicant's expressed area of research interest whenever possible
To be eligible for this program, applicants MUST be available to attend the ethics and laboratory training at NIH in May 2008, MUST engage in full-time (40 hours per week) research with their mentor for the full 10 week expereince, and MUST participate in the end of summer research conference scheduled for August 7-8, 2008. Additional requirements include US citizenship or permanent resident status, academic major and performance standards, interest in research and the mission of NIDDK. Please check the NIDDK application website for a complete list of requirements.
Each BSURE Trainee receives summer support totaling up to $4,000. Trainees may reside at home or elect to secure summer housing. Limited housing is available at the UMBC campus and students are strongly encouraged to elect this option to enable ease of access for additional professional enrichment activities. In rare situations where a suitable mentor is not available for you in your home area, you may be assigned a mentor beyond commuting distance and the cost of housing may be supplemented by the program. Mentors receive up to $500 to be used for reimbursement of laboratory
supplies. All travel expenses related to the ethics training at the start of the program as well as participation in the end of experience NIDDK Research Conference will be provided and are paid for by the program.
(NOTE: Student payments and other benefits from participating
in this program may have income tax obligations. For more information,
please consult a tax professional and/or the IRS. You may also wish
to review."
