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Pre-IMSD Semester Research

The UC Berkeley Pre-IMSD Summer Undergraduate Research Program is designed for those undergraduates who want to explore their possible interest in pursuing a research career.  The overall goal of the NIH-sponsored IMSD Program is to increase the numbers of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences who go on to earn Ph.D.s in those fields.

The Pre-IMSD Summer Research Program provides an introductory research experience in the laboratories of selected UC Berkeley faculty. During the summer, students will be introduced to the practice and culture of research, learn about research careers with a Ph.D., establish relationships with IMSD faculty and graduate student mentors, and develop technical and professional skills required for a career in research. Each year up to 10 students will be selected as participants in the program described below.

  • Paid 10-week intensive mentored research experience in selected faculty labs
  • Weekly events including seminars and workshops
  • Training in leadership and scientific communication through organizing and presenting research at the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium on August 2, 2012
  • Mentoring and advising by IMSD staff, faculty, and graduate fellows
Eligibility
  • Currently enrolled UCB student
  • All other things being equal, priority is given to first and second year students
  • Major or intended major in Integrative Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, Plant and Microbial Biology, Molecular Environmental Biology, Molecular Toxicology, Nutritional Science, Public Health, Bioengineering, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, Psychology
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA preferred
  • US citizen, permanent resident, or non-citizen national (a person who, although not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the US. They are generally persons born in lands under US jurisdiction, for example, American Samoa)
  • Fit with the goals of the program to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups pursuing and earning Ph.D.'s or M.D./Ph.D.'s in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. Nationally, groups found to be underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral research include, but are not limited to, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans/Alaskan Natives, Natives of the US Pacific Islands, disabled students, first generation college students, or students from a disadvantaged background
  • Interest in research and pursing a Ph.D. or combined M.D./Ph.D. in the biomedical or behavioral sciences
Expectations
  • Agree to commit to the entire summer program (10 weeks from May 28 to August 2, 2013)
  • Attend all summer program activities (i.e. seminars, workshops, symposia – approximately 2 per week)
  • Organize and present at the Biology Scholars Program Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium
  • Work in the lab a minimum of 30 hours/week in the summer. You are expected to immerse yourself in research, therefore you should not be taking summer classes at the same time
  • Meet with IMSD Coordinators at least twice during the summer
  • Agree to complete any surveys or interviews and to maintain communication with IMSD staff after completion of the program and graduation from Berkeley

How to Apply

First make sure to read the program description, eligibility, and requirements. Review the summer research projects under the "Pre-IMSD Summer Faculty" page for the current summer projects.

For questions and/or application assistance please email us at imsd@berkeley.edu.


Pre-IMSD Summer 2013 Electronic Application