The University of New Mexico’s Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) is currently accepting applications for research beginning this fall. The MARC program, which has been on campus in its current guise since 2000, is designed to enable underrepresented students, including members of an ethnic group, an opportunity to conduct a two-year research program beginning the summer preceding their junior year. MARC also prepares students to succeed in any graduate school in the United States.
Photo: MARC Program students conducting research. The popular program is looking for research minded students.
“Our MARC scholars have been heavily recruited by fine institutions across the country, and many have already completed graduate school and gone on to prestigious research and academic positions,” said Mary Anne Nelson, program director.
Some program components include the facilitation of a research project under the mentorship of a faculty member in the Department of Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Genetics & Microbiology or Neurosciences; spending a summer conducting research outside of New Mexico; presenting research at local and national scientific meetings; and participating in a special seminar course on Ethics in Research.
Students will also get the opportunity to travel to scientific meetings where they will have the chance to meet scientists and other students from around the country and learn about graduate school possibilities.
A stipend of nearly $11,000 per year is also awarded for the two years students are part of the program. Students are required to work in the research laboratory 15 hours per week during the academic year and full time in the summer. The MARC Program also pays UNM tuition and fees (after all other scholarships and/or grants have been applied).
Eligibility requirements include completion of at least the first two years of the curriculum leading to a bachelor’s in Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry; a GPA of at least 3.0; and a strong desire to pursue a doctoral graduate research degree.
Applications for Fall 2006 are currently being accepted and may be picked up outside Room 206A in Castetter Hall. The deadline to turn in applications for the Fall 2006 semester is Tuesday, Sept. 5; applications to start in Spring 2007 can also be submitted now.
For more information visit: MARC Program or contact Mary Anne Nelson, program director, at 277-2629, manelson@unm.edu.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; e-mail: scarr@unm.edu