The Diversity Fellowships for Graduate Research in Genomic Sciences allow outstanding students to pursue research projects in areas relevant to the human genome, including the ethical, legal, and social implications of genome research. These awards, sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), particularly support the NHGRI's goal to increase the numbers and capabilities of minority scientists and science professionals. Each year, the CBSE Center for Genomic Sciences grants these awards to four outstanding graduate students. Awardees participate in the CBSE Research Mentoring Institute (RMI).

MORE... Student projects from our diversity fellowships

The fellowship includes graduate student research stipend plus health insurance, registration fees, partial or full tuition depending on GSR level, and a research allowance of $1,700 per year to cover supplies and travel to one relevant scientific meeting.

Award period: one full academic year and one summer, typically beginning in summer or fall. Students may reapply for additional years.

Requirements:

• Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA each academic quarter to remain eligible for participation in the program.
• Meet all required activities, volunteer work, and various group meetings related to RMI and to the respective academic program.
• Meet weekly with your faculty mentor to discuss your research and academic plans and provide an opportunity for mentorship.
• Meet with the program coordinator twice a month.
• submit a 1-2 page report at the end of each quarter. CBSE program staff will review these reports and will offer feedback and guidance as needed.
• Our program is committed to helping our fellows achieve their goals as scientists, so we are interested in what they do after the fellowship is completed. Therefore, fellows must agree to provide CBSE staff with contact information and academic or employment status for a minimum of 5 years after you complete our program.

Eligibility: To qualify for this fellowship, you must be a UCSC student and a US citizen or permanent resident. We especially encourage members of the following underrepresented groups to apply: African American, Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, Native American/Alaskan, Hispanic. Students may be enrolled in any program and may apply during any year they are at UCSC.

Selection criteria: The CBSE diversity program staff will select fellows based on responsiveness to the goals of the program, the academic record of the applicant, and the quality of the project proposal and its potential impact on genome-related research.

Application process for students applying to UCSC: Indicate your interest in being considered for this fellowship on your graduate application in the "Additional Information" section.

Application process for continuing UCSC students: If you intend to apply, please contact the program coordinator, Luis Sandoval (cbseoutreach@soe.ucsc.edu, 831-459-1702), to discuss your research proposal and get the application. You will be asked to submit the following application materials:

1. a completed copy of the CBSE RMI application
2. your resume
3. a copy of your unofficial transcript
4. a letter of support from a faculty member who is willing to be your research advisor for the project (must be in a sealed envelope that is signed by the mentor across the flap)

Submit the application to

Mr. Luis Sandoval
CBSE Diversity Outreach Program Coordinator, RMI,
501C Engineering 2, Mail Stop CBSE/ITI
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA. 95064

Application deadline: June 9, 2008; applicants are advised to contact our outreach coordinator to inquire about fellowship availability before applying

Contact: cbseoutreach@soe.ucsc.edu