The U-RISE Program supports the development of students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in the Biomedical Sciences by providing tuition assistance and a monthly stipend. However, due to limited trainee slots and the requirement to be a U.S. Citizen, not all students can be supported by the U-RISE Program.

To expand opportunities, we offer the U-RISE Partner Program. This parallel initiative provides similar training, mentoring and development opportunities as U-RISE but utilizes non-federal funds to support student growth and competitiveness for acceptance into a Ph.D. program.

Benefits of Being a U-RISE Partner Program Participant

  • Join the U-RISE community and take part in research, mentoring and professional development.
  • Receive a stipend to offset participation costs.
  • Collaborate with U-RISE Scholars and attend the same training and development activities.
  • Work with program staff to develop an individualized plan for your academic and professional success.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the U-RISE Partner Program, students must:

  • Pursue a degree in Science, Engineering and Technology, or Behavioral Science.
  • Maintain a competitive GPA during the training period.
  • Dedicate at least 10 hours per week to a research project during the academic year.
  • Enroll in required U-RISE-specific coursework, including research for credit.
  • Participate in professional development activities.
  • Be genuinely interested in attending graduate school and obtaining a Ph.D. after graduation.

Ready to Apply?

Interested in joining the U-RISE Partner Program? Let us know by filling out the survey below.

apply here

U-RISE Partner Program Trainees

Erick Morales Orrante

Biophysics Major
Los Angeles, California
Spring 2027

“Research is about serving our community and furthering our technology and understanding of life.”

Research Interest: Biophysics, Material Science, Self-Assembly Process of NanoMaterials and their applications.

Faculty Mentor: Pius Adelani Ph.D.

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Brianna Valadez

Engineering Science Major, Exercise and Sport Science Minor
San Antonio, Texas
Spring 2025

“What research means to me is the understanding of knowledge, fulfilled by a passion for expanding our understanding of science.”

Research Interests: Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training on Cognitive Function

Faculty Mentor: Gary Guerra, Ph.D.

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Chiara Maldonado

Forensic Science Biology Major, Biomedical Research Minor
San Antonio, Texas
Spring 2026

“At its core, research is about learning the unknown through trials. The more trials, the more solid knowledge you learn. Mistakes and hiccups are bound to happen, but from those, you can master them and improve on later trials. Life isn’t a straight path and research is just like that.”

Research Interest: Biomedical and Bioinformatics

Faculty Research: Jennifer Harr, Ph.D.

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Brandon Low

Biology Major, Business Information Minor
Houston, Texas
Spring 2025

“Through my research, I want to learn more about how cells work under different environments and the implications that could help people make better medicine or treatment. In the future, I would like my work or research to contribute to developing treatments or discoveries that could improve people’s lives.”

Research Interest: Microbiology, cancer cells and diseases

Faculty Mentor: Veronica Contreras-Shannon, Ph.D.

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Elias Ciudad

photo of St. Mary's University student Elias Ciudad

Bioinformatics Major, Computer Science, Music and Biomedical Research Minor
Callao, Peru
Spring 2025

“What research means to me is intellectual pursuit with advantageous side-effects for people.”

Research Interests: Computational Biology + tropical disease immunology

Faculty Mentor: Lori Boies Ph.D.

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Jose Cornejo

photo of St. Mary's University student Jose Cornejo wearing suit

Environmental Science and Sustainability Major
Lima, Peru
Spring 2025

“At its core, research is about a continuous process of learning. You explore possible ideas, test them with sometimes new methods, you seek answers to the questions, and at the end uncovering new questions to ask.”

Research Interests: Ecology dynamics, oceanography and integrative ecology.

Faculty Mentor: Heather Hill, Ph.D. and Melissa Karlin, Ph.D.

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