Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC-U*STAR)

Applications are being accepted for the 2009-10 academic year - Click Here

Review Begins Friday, September 4th, 2009**
** Applications will still be accepted after review begins

Program Overview
The Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program at California State University, Long Beach is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the goal of increasing the number of well-trained students from underrepresented groups who enter research careers in biomedicine. Biomedical research is broadly defined to include biology, microbiology, physiology and kinesiology, biochemistry, neuropsychology, immunology, genetics and molecular biology, behavior, mathematics, anthropology, chemistry, bioengineering and biophysics.

The Minority Access to Research Careers Program was established in 1975 to help develop the talent and to increase the number Ph.D. degrees awarded among certain ethnic groups that have long been underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. By contrast, the demand throughout the nation for Ph.D's in the biomedical sciences from among these underrepreseted ethnic groups is unprecedented.

To meet the goal of diversity in the biomedical workforce, the MARC Program offers traineeships to students who are interested in research in these exciting areas of science.

Benefits for Students
MARC Program is intended for undergraduate students who have distinguished themselves academically and show potential in their ability to conduct original research. Appointment as a MARC trainee brings many benefits and responsibilities, including:

• The opportunity to conduct original research and interact with professors and graduate students
• Assistance with tuition and fees
• A monthly stipend to assist with living expenses while conducting research
• The opportunity to interact with outstanding researchers from other institutions through seminars and workshops
• Opportunities and instruction on how to present research through oral and poster presentations
• Funding to attend national research conferences present original research
• Participation in summer research internships at institutions nationwide
• Assistance in exploring and applying to post-baccalaureate programs, including graduate and PhD programs

Eligible Students
Trainees are appointed to the MARC Program for twelve months.

• Currently a CSULB undergraduate and a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident alien
• Majoring in one of the STEM majors:  Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA
• From an underrepresented ethnic group as defined by NIH
• Aspiring to attend Graduate school

They must be enrolled as full-time students and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Trainees may be reappointed for a second year provided they have maintained the program eligibility criteria. The preference of the program to have have students remain for a full two years.

Students from underrepresented groups who plan to pursue a graduate program of study in biomedical research (Master's and/or PhD) should strongly consider applying to this program. Full-time students who have completed 60 credit hours and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply.

Historically under-represented  racial or ethnic group such as American Indians/Native Alaskans/Aleuts, African Americans, Mexican Americans/Chicano(a)s, Latino(a)s and Native Polynesians (Hawaiians, Samoans, Guamanians) are considered for this program.

The program is currently accepting new applicants. Please contact Mark Katayama at mkataya2@csulb.edu if you have any further questions.

MARC Scholarship Application 2009

MARC Scholarship Flier 2009