Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity
During the summer bridge program, NIH-IMSD fellows spend seven weeks conducting research in the laboratory of a faculty member.
The University of California, Davis -- home to the largest number of biologists on a single campus in North America -- is proud to offer support to outstanding minority graduate students entering doctoral programs in the life sciences through the National Institutes of Health-Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (NIH-IMSD).
X-ray crystallography is the most powerful technique available to deduce the structure of biologically active molecules and forms the core of the campus's structural biology program.
Each NIH-IMSD award provides $22,436 per year for living expenses plus all tuition and student fees and support during a summer bridge program. An additional four years of support is guaranteed through a combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or other forms of graduate student support, assuming satisfactory progress is made toward earning the Ph.D. degree. Thus, UC Davis offers five years of guaranteed support for graduate study.
The award program builds connections between IMSD Fellows and other student and faculty colleagues in the life sciences. During the summer bridge program, which starts in August preceding the first year of graduate school, fellows spend seven weeks conducting research in the laboratory of a faculty member. A seminar class offered during the academic year includes faculty presentations on emerging areas in research, a journal club, and instruction on computer and library search techniques and scientific writing and speaking. Throughout the year, fellows are advised by a faculty member who is a member of the program's steering committee.
THE DAVIS CAMPUS
Primates at the California Regional Primate Research Center on the UC Davis campus are key in the study of selected human health problems. Research at the Center spans a range of disciplines, including behavior and neurobiology, developmental and reproductive biology, respiratory diseases, virology and immunology, and genetics.
Established in 1908 as a state agricultural school, UC Davis has vastly broadened in scope. Today, campus programs encompass the biological and environmental sciences, arts and humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. In addition, professional degree and credential programs are available through the School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Law, Graduate School of Management, and Division of Education. The campus offers graduate students an especially rich array of resources in the biological sciences.
Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation because the inner campus is closed to cars and the city of Davis has extensive bicycling paths.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, or permanent residents. Members of one of groups underrepresented in biology (African American, Native American/Alaskan, Hispanic, American Pacific Islander, or Filipino)are especially encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
When you apply for admission to the Graduate Group of your choice, ask them to make a copy of your application file, including letters of recommendation, and forward it to the IMSD Program Director. At the same time, contact the Program Director by e-mail, indicating your intention to apply. Program Director: Professor Barbara Horwitz, Section of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, College of Biological Sciences (530-752-0169, bahorwitz@ucdavis.edu). Applications will be considered in the order submitted, so it is in your interest to apply early.
PLEASE CONTACT US
For additional information, phone or e-mail:
Professor Barbara A. Horwitz
530-752-2072
bahorwitz@ucdavis.edu
Dr. Connie Champagne
530-754-8727
cechampagne@ucdavis.edu
Written correspondence may be sent to:
Professor Barbara A. Horwitz
Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
University of California
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU AND RECEIVING YOUR APPLICATION.