KU awarded $2.2 million NIH research career training grant renewal
LAWRENCE — For almost 30 years, the Office for Advancing Success in Science (OASiS) at the University of Kansas has provided opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research through grant support from the National Institutes of Health. KU has recently been awarded a $2.2 million Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) grant from the NIH that will carry on this tradition for another five years.
The MARC program provides financial support for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. Major components of the program:
- Mentored student research in faculty laboratories
- Professional development workshops
- Faculty and peer mentoring
- Off-campus summer research opportunities
- Guidance for applying to graduate school
- Funds to support attendance and presentations at scientific meetings.
“We feel very fortunate to be able to continue the MARC program here at KU to support our talented students as they pursue careers in science," said Paulyn Cartwright, director of OASiS. “This funding provides invaluable support for talented KU students to help them launch their careers in the biomedical field.”
Each year, a cohort of six outstanding juniors will be recruited for a two-year MARC experience. In addition to KU students, scholars will also include students who transfer from Haskell Indian Nations University from MARC’s sister program, KU/Haskell Bridges. The goal of MARC is to prepare scholars to enter competitive doctoral or M.D./Ph.D. programs upon graduation.
MARC at KU is led by Cartwright, Baumgartner Professor of Biology, and Stuart Macdonald, professor of molecular biosciences. It includes participating faculty from the departments of Chemistry, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Molecular Biosciences as well as the School of Pharmacy.
“Being awarded this highly competitive grant is reflective of KU’s strong commitment to training the next generation of scientific researchers,” Cartwright said.
Students interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research are encouraged to apply. More information can be found at the KU MARC website.