Undergraduate Scholarships

WHAT IS THE RMI?
The CBSE Research Mentoring Institute supports diversity at UCSC and in genomic research by providing scholarships and mentored research training for underrepresented students. The RMI offers academic and professional advising, hands-on research training, and a $1500 scholarship for qualified UCSC undergraduates who are interested in genomic science and its ethical, legal, or social implications (ELSI).

Sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute, the RMI awards  support the NHGRI's goal to increase the numbers and capabilities of minority scientists, science professionals, and ethicists.

WHO CAN APPLY?
Students from any major can apply.  In addition to wet-lab and computational research by science and engineering majors, recent RMI scholarships have been awarded for ELSI projects in Psychology, Philosophy, and Sociology.

• Read about the projects of RMI scholars
  

Other eligibility requirements:

• US citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident
• UCSC undergraduate enrolled any declared major
• Plan to pursue graduate study or a research career in a genomics-related field

The RMI especially invites applications from students who are members of populations that are historically underrepresented in higher education and in genomic research: African American, Native Pacific Islander, Native American/Alaskan, Hispanic, Latina/o, and Chicana/o

WHAT IS THE TERM OF THE AWARD?
RMI awards are usually only for one quarter but may be renewed depending on the nature of the research and your performance.  Scholars receive a $1500.00 scholarship for each quarter that they receive an award.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCEPTED SCHOLARS?

• Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Participate in all required activities and meetings related to the RMI
• Fulfill the requirements of your academic program

Additionally, RMI scholars are required to complete a defined research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Projects may take a number of forms, determined in consultation with the program director and project mentor. Project options include research papers, poster and oral presentations, and literature reviews. All participants are required to present their research findings in a poster or oral presentation at a professional conference.

HOW ARE AWARD DECISIONS MADE?
The RMI selection committee makes awards based on the following criteria:

• Academic promise of the applicant
• The potential impact on genome-related research
• The overall quality and originality of the project proposal
• Contributions to diversity at UCSC and in genomic research
  

WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF THE APPLICATION?
You will need to submit the following application materials:

1. A completed copy of the CBSE RMI application
2. Your resume or CV
3. A current copy of your unofficial transcript
4. A letter of support from a faculty member who is willing to be your research advisor for the project.
NOTE: If you do not yet have a faculty mentor, the RMI team will help you find an appropriate match.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?
RMI applications are accepted each quarter on the last day of instruction.  Application deadlines for the 2012-13 academic year are as follows:  December 7, 2012 for winter 2013 scholarships; March 18, 2013 for spring  2013 scholarships; June 7, 2013 for fall 2013 scholarships.

ENTERING TRANSFER STUDENTS have different deadlines for fall funding. Please contact the RMI program office  for additional instructions and application information.

If you intend to apply for a RMI scholarship, please contact the program director,
Zia Isola, to discuss your application and research proposal.
Email: Phone: 831-459-1702

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the RMI before beginning the application process.