Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE)

The Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) is a training program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It builds on the 40-year legacy of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U*STAR) started by the late Jose Miguel Cimadevilla, Ph.D., in the early 1980s. This training program is for students in STEM with an earnest desire to obtain a Ph.D. And pursue a research career in biomedical or behavioral sciences.

The goal of the program is to provide St. Mary’s students with a two-year training program designed to give them the technical, operational, and professional skills necessary to transition into research-focused higher degree programs and the biomedical or behavioral sciences workforce. The overall aim is to diversify the nation’s scientific workforce.

U-RISE provides students majoring in STEM or Behavioral Science disciplines opportunities to participate in biomedical research and work alongside faculty mentors in the biomedical sciences.

  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?

    Let us know you’re interested in being part of U-RISE by filling out the survey below.

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MARC U*STAR Outcomes

Since 1983Since 2000
# of trainees (completed MARC)153 (138)90 (75)
Obtained Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.39.1%49.2%
Ph.D. in progress13.8%28.8%
Overall persistence in Ph.D. (STEMM)53% (96.1%**)78% (96%)
Obtained M.D. or D.O.12.3%6.7%
Obtained* master’s degree or equivalent18.8%26.7%
*Includes Masters in progress, individuals with more than one masters degree and individuals with or pursuing a Ph.D. **Excludes 10 trainees with unknown status.

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

Samantha Aragon

Biochemistry Major Business Administration and Applied Mathematics Minor
El Paso, Texas
Spring 2025

“What makes the U-RISE program unique is its sense of community with all the individuals who are a part of it. It’s a small family that offers a shared perspective of aspiring undergrads navigating research.”

Research Interests: total synthesis, f-block chemistry, polymers, materials

Faculty Research Mentor: Erendra Manandhar, Ph.D.

More information

Paola Citlali Garcia

Forensic Science-Biology Major, Biomedical
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Spring 2025

“The U-RISE program has helped me grow as a scientist and as a student by providing unique opportunities, such as conferences and internships. Since joining, I have presented more than five posters and given an oral presentation, which I see as a huge accomplishment since I was terrified of public speaking before joining. Additionally, I have made valuable connections with multiple schools through the program’s conferences.”

Research Interest: Effects of nanoplastic exposure in C. elegans brood size and longevity.”

Faculty Research Mentor: Jennifer Harr, Ph.D.

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Jalyn De La Fuente

Biology Major, Biomedical Research Minor
San Antonio, Texas
Spring 2025

“The U-RISE program has provided amazing support in preparing me for graduate school, making my dream of achieving a PhD possible and achievable. I deeply appreciate the resources, guidance and encouragement I’ve received.”

Research Interest: Genetic mutations in PDAC that contribute to drug resistance

Faculty Research Mentor: Pei Wang, , Ph.D.UT Health SA

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Lizana Juarez

Forensic Science Chemistry Major
San Antonio, Texas
Fall 2025

“The U-RISE program has helped me build my confidence in who I am as a scientist by allowing me to participate in year-round research. My skills and knowledge are constantly being put to practice and sharpened.”

Research Interests: The Effects of Tubulin Binding Drugs on the Kinetics of Foam Cells

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

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Andrea Paredes

Biology Major, Chemistry Minor
Euless, Texas
Spring 2025

“The U-RISE program has helped me find my passion for research and provided many opportunities to advance my learning. Additionally, the program has made me a more competitive applicant for graduate school.”

Research interests: Immunology-based research in pregnancy, autoimmunity and cell-to-cell interactions.

Faculty Research Mentor: Benjamin T. Enslow, M.D.

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Franchesca Tinacba

Biology Major
San Antonio, Texas
Spring 2025

“Through my research, I hope to inspire younger generations to discover a world in scientific research that they cannot simply see in their textbooks or behind their screens.”

Research Interest: Cancer biology, Mechanisms of Disease

Faculty Research Mentor: Terry Shackleford, Ph.D.

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Anakaren Garcia

Biology Major
El Paso, Texas
Spring 2026

“The U-RISE program has helped me have a safe space to turn to when things don’t work out.”

Research Interests: Generating a polypeptide library for epitope mapping and IgG Subtype Specificity of P. Falciparum Protein Pf3D7_1136200

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

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Kahlie Hernandez

Biology Major
San Antonio, Texas
Spring 2026

“At its core, research is about curiosity and wanting to gain further knowledge and understanding about the world in which we live.”

Research Interest: Cancer immunology

Faculty Research Mentor: Terry Shackleford, Ph.D.

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Victoria Sanchez

Biochemistry Major, Biomedical Research Minor
San Antonio, Texas
Spring 2026

“At its core, research is about learning. By taking what we learn from research and applying it, we can greatly improve not only our own lives but also others too.”

Research Interest: Cancer biology and metabolic biology

Faculty Research: Gang Huang, UT Health SA, Ph.D.

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Kenya Rosas

Biochemistry Major
San Benito, Texas
Spring 2027

“What makes U-RISE unique is it allows trainees to focus solely on their career goals by providing much-needed support. U-RISE aids individuals from under-represented groups by connecting them to mentors who may advise them, helping them find research opportunities and providing funds for living expenses when researching far from home.”

Research Interest: Effects of Microplastics on Foam Cell Formation

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

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