Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) 2-Year Research Program - Application Deadline
Are you a sophomore looking for paid research experiences in biomedical sciences? Interested in conducting research during the academic year AND the summer?
The MARC Program is welcoming applicants to apply to their two-year program!
The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program is a unique research, mentoring, financial and academic opportunity for undergraduates belonging to a group considered underrepresented in biomedical research and who have the interest and potential to pursue a PhD or combined PhD (e.g. MD/PhD) degree. The program is a two-year program intended for the last two years of a student’s enrollment at the University of Arizona. The expectation is that students who participate in the MARC program will be well-prepared to take the next step in pursuing their graduate education, such as a PhD or MD/PhD, and a future research career in the biomedical sciences. Students will gain research training in labs of outstanding faculty at the University of Arizona, where faculty with active and well-funded research programs provide research guidance and intensive mentoring to participants. Participants will also present their research at annual national scientific meeting and participate in colloquium course specifically designed for undergraduates in biomedical disciplines, along with attending and networking at research talks from scientists from other institutions, the U of A, or MARC program participants.
Throughout the program, students will be trained in the responsible conduct of research, obtain excellent mentorship, and in-depth career and graduate school guidance.
What are the benefits?
- Monthly stipend: Approximately $1,200 per month
- Tuition Assistance: Full or partial tuition and fees
- Health insurance, if needed
- Travel support
Who is eligible to apply?
- Research Interest: demonstrate a strong interest in considering a biomedical research career via the Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degrees
- Commitment: spend final two summers and four UA semesters in the program prior to earning their baccalaureate degree (some exceptions will be considered)
- Belong to a group considered by the NIH to be underrepresented in biomedical sciences (see statement under "Eligibility" on MARC website).
- Citizenship: citizen or non-citizen national of the United States or lawfully admitted for permanent residence; those with foreign student status lacking permanent residence status cannot be considered
- Major: related to the biomedical sciences. In the past, majors of participating students have included Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, General Biology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Neuroscience & Cognitive Science, Nutritional Sciences, Physiology (or pre-major), Psychology (BS), or Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences. Other majors will be considered as well.
- GPA: overall and a math/science GPA of at least 3.0 for courses taken at a 4-year institution
- Prior research experience is NOT required
Need help with your application? Reach out to an Undergraduate Research Ambassador (URA) on how to craft a competitive application to this program by emailing undergradresearch@arizona.edu or making a 1:1 appointment with an URA.
Ready to apply? Apply on the UROC application portal, and check the "MARC" along with any other programs you are interested in applying to. Students can apply to as many UROC programs as they prefer with only one application! The application deadline is in Thursday, February 1st, 2025 11:59 PM AZ Time. No letters of recommendation are required to apply!
Questions? Please contact Cindy Neal, Assistant Director of MARC, at cjneal@arizona.edu.