U-RISE Program

• Undergraduate students participating in U-RISE are provided with academic, financial, research, and personal support to become competitive applicants for Ph.D. programs and build the skills that will help them succeed in a Ph.D. program.

The program is year-round and offers students numerous benefits, including academic year and summer research experiences at designated laboratories, the opportunity to present at the campus-wide and SET research symposia, attendance at a scientific conference (travel-related costs are provided), professional development including colloquiums, seminars, and workshops, as well as a stipend (about $1,200 per month) and tuition assistance ($16,000 per year).

The latter may affect a student’s financial aid package.

Goals of U-RISE

Build the interest of St. Mary’s students in research careers in the biomedical sciences and pursuing a Ph.D. degree in biomedical sciences through early outreach and interactions with local high schools.
Implement a research track curriculum designed to mentor, train and engage students in biomedical research (including community college transfer students) and increase the number of students interested in research careers.
Recruit and prepare U-RISE Scholars who complete their baccalaureate degree, complete biomedical, research-focused higher degree programs (e.g., Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) and pursue biomedical research careers.

Applying to the U-RISE Program

Eligibility and Requirements

Must be pursuing a course of study in Science, Engineering and Technology or Behavioral Science
Must have a minimum of 2 years remaining before graduation, and no more than 3 years remaining
Maintain a competitive GPA during training period
Be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident
Be genuinely interested in attending graduate school and obtaining a Ph.D. upon completion of your degree
Commit at least 10 hours per week to a research project during academic year and 10 weeks full time during the summer
Enroll in required U-RISE specific coursework, including research for credit

• Interested in applying?

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MARC U*STAR Outcomes

MARC U*STAR participants attend summer programs and Ph.D. programs across the country, and at top-tier research institutions.

MARC U*STAR sponsored undergraduate research experiences for SET students enhanced academic success:

The 4-year graduation rate for research active students who participated in MARC or Pre-MARC^* training was 87% compared to 52% for SET majors not associated with MARC or Pre-MARC training and 55% for all St. Mary’s undergraduates during the same time.
Trainees who participated in both MARC and Pre-MARC training had an average 4-year graduation rate of 95% which was higher than MARC training alone (77%).
Pre-MARC training by itself had a 90% 4-year graduation rate, suggesting that an undergraduate research experience yields greater benefits the earlier a student starts research.
Additionally, participation in research had a positive impact on MARC trainee academic performance. MARC trainees had an average 3.63 cumulative GPA compared to 3.15 for SET majors.

^* “Pre-MARC” students are freshmen or sophomores participating in MARC-sponsored research experiences.

U-RISE Biomedical Research Initiatives

Spring Research Fellowship

The Spring Research Fellowship (SRF) program provides freshmen and sophomores with a hands-on research experience and mentorship with a St. Mary’s faculty member during the spring semester. Students who are selected will research for a minimum of 100 hours and will receive a stipend. Those who are interested in a Ph.D. are strongly encouraged to apply. In order to be eligible for the program, students:

Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Must be pursuing a course of study in Science, Engineering & Technology or Behavioral Science
Must be interested in research

Check back soon for more initiatives.

U-RISE Trainee 2024-2025 Cohort