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. The University of Kansas Policy on Diversity of the Student Body is
available at
http://www.diversity.ku.edu/student_diversity.shtml
- Citizens or permanent residents belonging to other underrepresented
(e.g., economically disadvantaged, first generation college student, etc.)
groups are encouraged to apply.
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:
- Students must be a full-time undergraduate student
- Students must maintain a 2.5 or greater cumulative GPA
- Students must present his/her research at an annual symposium
- Students must enroll in a special seminar course offered by this program at least once per year
- Students must make progress toward his or her goal of going to graduate school
- Students 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.
Who are the faculty mentors?
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.
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?
- Complete and return the pre-application form. Click here for the pre-application form. Please be aware that the pre-application is not an official application. Return or mail your pre-application form to:
Office for Diversity in Science Training
University of Kansas
1200 Sunnyside Avenue
1002 Haworth Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045
- You will receive notification if you are selected to complete an official application.
- If you have been selected to complete an official application, two letters of recommendation should be submitted along with the application. The letters of recommendation should be sent to the Program Coordinator, Lynn Villafuerte, at the address indicated on the official online application or at lynnsv@ku.edu.
- Pre-application Deadline: Pre-applications are accepted throughout the year.
How do I credit IMSD support?
Please remember to credit the National Institute of General Medical Science's support for your research in your publications and presentations. Your acknowledgments of NIGMS funding should read as follows:
"This publication was made possible by grant number NIH R25GM62232 from the National Institute of General Medical Science (NIGMS), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)."
or
"The project described was supported by grant number NIH R25GM62232 from the National Institute of General Medical Science (NIGMS), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)"
and as appropriate,
"Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of NIGMS or NIH."
