Researcher in technical laboratory setting

Maximizing Access to Research Careers

The overall goal of the University of California at Davis Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) is to increase the number of talented underrepresented, disadvantaged and disabled students who become leaders in areas relevant to biomedical and behavioral research. The program provides students with intensive research experiences as well as with activities that enhance their critical thinking and communication skills and prepares them for entry into high quality PhD (and MD/PhD) programs.

MARC is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Maximizing Access to Research Career (MARC) Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research Award (U-STAR).

Curriculum

MARC is a one to three-year program for upper division students.

Junior Year
  • Summer includes full-time faculty mentored research; and participation in weekly meetings covering topics such as research ethics, effective presentation design, poster presentation, journal club
  • Academic year includes part-time faculty mentored research; journal club; quarterly professional development seminar (BIS 198); presentation of research at a national conference and at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities Conference; science outreach
Senior Year
  • Summer includes full-time research at UC Davis or another institution
  • Academic year includes part-time faculty mentored research; journal club; quarterly professional development seminar (BIS 198); presentation of research at a national conference and at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities Conference; science outreach
Optional Super-Senior Year
  • Summer includes full-time research at UC Davis or another institution (if not pursued the previous summer)
  • Academic year includes part-time faculty mentored research; journal club; quarterly professional development seminar (BIS 198); presentation of research at a national conference and at the UC Davis Undergraduate Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities Conference; science outreach
  • NOTE: Super-Senior MARC students are expected to apply to PhD or MD/PhD programs during their third year of MARC support

Support

MARC:
  • pays for a portion of tuition and fees
  • provides monthly stipend
  • additional funding for students who engage in summer research experience at different institution
  • provides funding for conference attendance and participation
  • provides professional development opportunities and advising

MARC Scholar Obligations

  • commit 9-36 months to the program
  • engage in research 10 hours per week during the academic year
  • engage in research 40 hours per week during the summer
  • attend all regularly scheduled meetings, program workshops and functions
  • meet regularly with a MARC adviser
  • register for and attend the BIS 198 seminar quarterly
  • maintain competitive GPA
  • advise MARC staff if your educational goals change, and you are no longer interested in pursuing the PhD or MD/PhD
  • actively engage in their research lab, attend lab meetings etc.