SMART PREP Apprentice
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences has awarded two SMART PREP Apprentice grants (GM069234-2003-2009, 2009-2013) to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences for Baylor College of Medicine to help under-represented college graduates prepare for biomedical Ph.D. study. Apprentice's will complete the program within nine to 12 months, depending on each apprentice's individual development plan. There are seven positions available each year.
The program features:
- Paid mentored biomedical research at one of the nation's top institutions
- A molecular and cellular biology course designed for the program
- Weekly Scientific Development workshops
- SMART GRE Preparatory workshops
- Graduate school application workshops
- Individual counseling on applying to Ph.D. programs
- Individual tutoring and development in specific areas
- Interaction with a vibrant community of 80 under-represented students Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. students
PREP Apprentices will work 3/4 time as technicians and conduct research at the frontier of biomedical science at a salary of $21,000/year. The program director will work with each apprentice to identify the lab mentor that best matches each apprentice's interests and goals.
Apprentices will participate intellectually in research through directed reading of scientific papers, in lab meetings, journal clubs and seminars that relate to their research interests. Faculty and graduate student mentoring and attending Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity meetings and scientific conferences will help inspire and motivate participants to strive for excellence as they become members of the scientific community. Apprentices will be eligible for health insurance and other benefits available to employees.
The application deadline is April 16.
A complete application consists of:
- Application forms (available Feb. 1)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Essays regarding:
- Research experience
- How participating in the post-baccalaureate program will help prepare the applicant for Biomedical Ph.D. study
- An optional essay on obstacles the applicant has overcome in life
Applications should be submitted to SMART PREP Program, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS: BCM 215, Houston, TX 77030 .
All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and must have completed college within the last three years. The project is targeted toward individuals with an interest in pursuing Ph.D. degrees in the biomedical sciences.
For more information contact Laurie Connor, Ph.D., Instructional Manager for SMART PREP, lconnor@bcm.edu 713-798-3521.