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University of Kansas Bioscience Initative

IMSD: Frequently Asked Questions


Why should students join the Bioscience Initiative Program?

  • Research experience in a scientific laboratory
  • Assistance identifying a faculty mentor
  • Free tutoring in core Chemistry courses, Enhanced classes in selected Math and Biology courses
  • Travel to scientific meetings
  • One-on-one mentoring and career advice
  • Assistance preparing for graduate school

Who is Eligible for this Program?

  • The purpose of the IMSD program is to achieve greater participation in the biomedical and behavioral research enterprise of this country of students from underrepresented groups. Therefore, selection of students in the IMSD program takes into consideration whether the student's participation would help achieve the overall goals/objectives of the proposed institutional program. Based on relevance to the NIGMS/MORE mission, this research education program will be used to increase, consistent with the University Policy on Diversity of the Student body, the number of students from underrepresented groups. Citizens or permanent residents belonging to a particular ethnic, racial or other underrepresented (e.g. economically disadvantaged, first generation college student, etc.) group are encouraged to apply.

  • The University of Kansas Policy on Diversity of the Student Body is available at: http://www.diversity.ku.edu/student_diversity.shtml

What Majors Qualify for this Program?

The term Bioscience encompasses those science majors that relate either directly or indirectly to human health.
Examples include:

What are the Requirements for Participating in the Bioscience Initiative Program?

The following are the requirements for active participation in IMSD:
  • Student must be a full-time undergraduate student
  • Student must maintain a 2.5 or greater cumulative GPA
  • Student must present his/her research at an annual symposium
  • Student must enroll in a special seminar course offered by this program at least once per year
  • Student must make progress toward his or her goal of going to graduate school
  • Student must maintain a strong standing in continued collaboration with the research mentor in his or her research laboratory

--Students' progress in the program will be reviewed every semester.

What is a mentor?

A mentor is a KU or KU affiliated faculty member who can provide a research lab for an IMSD student. Collaborative efforts between mentor and student serve to guide the student in his/her research project.

Who are the faculty mentors?

The program coordinator helps the student identify the faculty mentor that fits the student's research interests. Potential faculty mentors' research can be viewed at departmental websites.

How do I apply?

The first step is to complete the following pre-application form.

You may download the pre-application as a PDF file. Return applications to: Office for Diversity in Science Training, Division of Biological Sciences, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Room 2040 Haworth, Lawrence, KS 66045-7534.

(application as a PDF file)