MARC U*STAR PROGRAM
Maximizing Access to Research Careers / Undergraduate Student Training In Academic Research
Welcome to the MARC U*STAR Program at UCLA
Applications are currently open through March 17, 2023, at 5 pm PST.
Research has shown that diversity in teams fosters innovation and contributes to greater creativity.
UCLA’s MARC U* STAR Program builds the next generation of leaders in the biomedical science fields.
What is the MARC U*STAR Program at UCLA?
The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U-STAR) Program at UCLA is a high-caliber research training program tailored for junior and senior level undergraduate students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. or an M.D./Ph.D. after they complete their baccalaureate degree.
The MARC program is funded by the National Institute of General and Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and aims to increase diversity from student groups traditionally under-represented in the biomedical fields.
The program provides scholars with significant financial support, individualized academic advising, guided preparation for graduate school, continuous administrative support, and professional development activities to ensure a competitive edge in today’s scientific arena.
Who is Eligible for the MARC U*STAR Program?
Students who apply to the MARC U*STAR Program must have a strong interest in pursuing postgraduate education leading to a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
All applicants must be:
- US Citizens or legal residents. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
- Registered, full-time undergraduate students at UCLA majoring in STEM fields – Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – with an interest in the biomedical fields.
- Have completed 90 units (Junior/Senior standing) by the time MARC training begins and have 2 years remaining at UCLA
According to NIGMS guidelines, priority for the MARC U*STAR Program is given to applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- From historically underrepresented racial or ethnic groups such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Polynesians (Hawaiians, Samoans, Guamanians)
- Individuals with disabilities, defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
- From a low-income background that can demonstrate that they qualify for federal disadvantaged assistance (Pell-eligible)
To prepare to enter graduate school to pursue a research doctorate, MARC U*STAR Trainees:
- take part in a variety of training activities seminars, workshops and meetings
- conduct biomedical research in laboratories through a summer research training experience
- learn about various science careers
What are the Benefits and Requirements of being a MARC U*STAR Trainee?
MARC U*STAR Program Trainees:
- Receive a stipend of ~$13,000 per year plus partial tuition and fees of ~$7,900 per year
- Work 10 – 15 hours per week in a faculty-mentored scientific research lab at UCLA for two academic years
- Participate in a fully-funded off-campus Extramural Research Experience during one summer
- Are trained in responsible conduct of research and scientific writing
- Develop strong presentation skills
- Travel to national and regional conferences to present research findings (funded once per year)
- Receive mentoring and career guidance
- Experience networking opportunities
- Become part of a tight-knit community while taking part in outreach and mentoring activities
- Create an online profile with a photo and summary of your research
According to NIGMS, as biomedical research becomes more interdisciplinary and more of a team endeavor, excellent training will utilize the diversity in the trainee pool and develop the skills and abilities needed for working with people of different scientific, social and cultural backgrounds.
How to Apply for the UCLA MARC U*STAR Program
Applications are now open!
- All materials must be received by the deadline for the application to be considered (March 19, 2021 5pm PST)
- A complete application consists of:
- Completed application form, including the personal statement essay and research experience essay
- Unofficial transcript(s)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Résumé/CV
The application form (with instructions for each of the components) is available through MyUCLA portal under “Survey Manager” for students that fit the eligibility criteria or through the link below (Bruin Online Account Required):
https://my.ucla.edu/directLink.aspx?featureID=136&typeID=43(If you are having issues accessing the link, send an e-mail with your name and UID to the MARC Program at marc@lifesci.ucla.edu)
Transcript(s), letters of recommendation, and resume/CV should be emailed directly to marc@lifesci.ucla.edu
Contact Us
Dr. Megan McEvoy
Professor-Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics
MARC U* STAR Program Director
COMPASS Life Sciences Co-Director
Dr. Gina Poe
Professor-Integrative Biology & Physiology
MARC U* STAR Program Co-Director
COMPASS Life Sciences Co-Director
Larone Ellison
Program Representative
MARC and COMPASS Life Sciences
P: 310.825.8939
C: 619.504.0591
Pronouns: he/him/his