Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE)
The Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement at Fort Lewis College (FLC U-RISE, formerly MARC) is funded by a research training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The objective of this honors undergraduate research training program is to prepare underrepresented students majoring in scientific disciplines to pursue Ph.D.s and long term careers in biomedical or behavioral science research. Faculty mentors at FLC train a small group of highly qualified junior and senior underrepresented students in an honors program strong in research opportunities and science curriculum.
The primary goal of the U-RISE Program at FLC is to provide support to undergraduate students, who are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, to improve preparation for graduate training in a research based Ph.D. program. Students apply to the U-RISE program during the second semester of the Sophomore year, and if accepted, students begin working with a Research Mentor during a summer research experience between the Sophomore and Junior years and continue in the U-RISE Program for the reminder of the Junior and Senior years.
Juniors and Seniors chosen for this two-year Research Trainee Program become active members of a scientific research community. This valuable opportunity, rarely afforded to undergraduates, is the best preparation for graduate training and a career in biomedical and behavioral science research.
At the center of the U-RISE experience is research. U-RISE Scholars will work on faculty-directed research projects about 12 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during the summer. The capstone of the U-RISE Program is a summer research experience at a research intensive university.
Additionally, U-RISE Scholars will participate in activities that enrich their research experiences, workshops designed to prepare them for graduate school and careers in biomedical and behavioral science research, and participate in peer recruiting activities.
The 2024-25 U-RISE Program is open. Applications are due on March 1 by noon. Please review below for details about what to submit and to see an example of a personal statement.
Prior to applying, please contact and meet with a potential Research Mentor you would like to work with if accepted into U-RISE program.
Students may apply for the program by completing the online application, application materials and requesting that faculty submit letters of support to flcurise@fortlewis.edu, prior to the due date.
Apply to U-RISE
Application Materials include:
In addition, each applicant will be interviewed by the Selection Committee as part of the application process.
Students must meet the following eligibility criteria by the program start date of June 1st:
Questions about eligibility?
Email Dr. Kenny Miller, FLC U-RISE Program Director
Many faculty are available to serve as U-RISE Research Mentors. Faculty members work closely with U-RISE Scholars to develop research and professional skills and provide guidance during the application process for summer research and graduate school programs.
A descriptive list of potential research projects can help you decide which U-RISE Research Mentor you want to apply to work with. If you are interested in working with a faculty member who is not listed below, please contact Dr. Kenny Miller.
View Research Projects
The following organizations assist under-represented students interested in careers in the sciences:
NIGMS funds the U-RISE Program. NIGMS supports biomedical and behavioral research training programs that help provide the most critical element of good research: well-prepared scientists. NIGMS encourages institutions to diversify their student populations and thus increase the participation of underrepresented individuals in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences.
SACNAS is a society of scientists dedicated to fostering the success of Hispanic/Chicano and Native American scientists—from college students to professionals—in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and leadership positions.
ABRCMS is a national conference encouraging undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, and graduate students to pursue advanced biomedical and behavioral sciences training, including mathematics.
AISES has worked to substantially increase American Indian/Alaska Native representation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields - as students, professionals, mentors, and leaders.
Search possible graduate school and summer research opportunities.
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Dr. Kenny MillerProfessor and Director, FLC NIH U-RISE ProgramDepartment of Chemistry144 Chemistry Hall970-247-7623Email Kenny
Nicole CareyU-RISE Program CoordinatorEmail Nicole
Phone: 970-852-5190Email: smith_christine@fortlewis.edu