Research Mentoring Insititue and Diversity Awards

The Center for Biomolecular Science & Engineering (CBSE) at UCSC offers the Research Mentoring Institute (RMI) for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing research projects in areas relevant to the human genome, including the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genome research. This grant-funded program, sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute, offers two honor award programs that support research projects related to genomic sciences and ELSI: RMI undergraduate diversity scholarships and RMI graduate diversity fellowships. The institute offers a mentoring community and individual support for students to continue their studies and pursue a related career.

Students participating in RMI receive mentoring from faculty advisors, other students, and the program coordinator. To receive these fellowships and scholarships, students must fulfill program requirements and must be dedicated to continuing to a PhD and beyond. Students who participate in the RMI can expect to gain a realistic picture of academic roles and expectations in the sciences along with actual experience in these roles. The program exposes students to the nature and rigors of a research environment under the close supervision of faculty mentoring, thus enhancing preparation for and success in graduate school and beyond.

The RMI is a community of current and former CBSE awardees who share their interest in genomic science and the related ethical, legal and social implications with other students from underrepresented groups. The institute engages graduate fellows as peer mentors to undergraduate awardees, thereby creating a pipeline of support and mentorship.

The RMI scholar support program includes

• Regular RMI meetings
• Advising with the program coordinator
• Participation in scheduled research and professional development events and workshops

A recognition ceremony at the end of the year, where students present their research findings and engage the audience in a scholarly presentation.

• Photo gallery from CBSE outreach program

CBSE Diversity Fellowships and Scholarships in Genomic Science

The CBSE RMI offers diversity-oriented fellowships to graduate students and scholarships to undergraduates. To qualify for these awards, you must be a UCSC student and a US citizen or permanent resident. We encourage students from all disciplines to apply.

Since the CBSE diversity fellowships and scholarships particularly support the NHGRI's goal to increase the numbers and capabilities of minority scientists and science professionals, we especially encourage members of the following underrepresented groups to apply: African American, Native Pacific Islander, Native American/Alaskan, Hispanic, Latina/o, and Chicana/o.

Learn more about the CBSE diversity fellowships and scholarships and apply for them:

• Undergraduate scholarship
• Graduate fellowship
• Read about student projects from our diversity awards
• RMI Program Application