Eligibility and Application

The Ideal U-RISE Scholar:

Scholars will derive value from this program by being immersed in the intellectual environments of biomedical research projects. Our faculty have significant experience working with students of all backgrounds. The ideal student is the one who is interested in completing a BS/MS or Ph.D. program in biomedical research and has taken advantage of everything that his/her department has to offer but has not had a substantial amount of research experience. Most students in this category will be rising sophomores with credits in introductory Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Math with a grade of B or better. Such scholars are not bound by location and have an interest in exploring the biomedical disciplines.

Criteria for Acceptance:

The requirements for acceptance in the program will be based on the student's academic record, personal statements and interest in biomedical research, and two reference letters. Students with the required qualifications will have an opportunity to apply to the program each year. The quantitative selection criteria for trainees are: (i) U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents; (ii) enrollment in BME/STEM-related disciplines; (iii) Existing NJIT students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. (While a 3.0 GPA is required to apply, we expect the average GPA for our scholars to be above 3.2); (iv) review of letters of recommendation and personal statement and (v) whether the applicant meets the program diversity and inclusion goals. A short list of applicants will be determined and interviews will be held for final selection. The core elements of the program will include the following: (i) Required research and academic development activities (average 3 hrs./week), (ii) An academic enhancement program activity (average 1 – 2 hrs /week), (iii) Required academic advising and mentoring (average 2 hrs./month), and (iv) A required Individual Development Plan, IDP, (average 0.5 hrs./month). Selected trainees will be notified prior to the fall semester of their sophomore year.

Matching recruited trainees with mentors:

Selection will be based on 1) student preference, 2) faculty preference, 3) program diversity, and 4) special mentoring needs. Student preference: during the recruitment showcase, advisement, and interactions with preceptor laboratories, potential trainees will learn about faculty research areas and UG projects. Students will be guided on selecting their top three choices.  To assist with this decision, we will hold a mandatory “How to pick a mentor” workshop with the selected students. This workshop will help students pick the most appropriate labs based on their interests, goals and needs. Students will be assisted in ranking their top three laboratory choices (please see the Recruitment Plan for details and strategy). Faculty preference: during the application process, preceptors will indicate which trainees interest aligns well with those of the PI. Program diversity: Selection will consider the diversity of each research group and the training program and selections will be made to enhance diversity. Special mentoring needs: if the trainee identifies any special need, the committee will match the needs to the most appropriate preceptor.