Prospective Trainees

Description

The period of appointment for scholars participating in PREP is for one year. PREP scholars will be strongly encouraged to apply to a minimum of 6 graduate programs and will be strongly considered for admission to a graduate program at the University of Rochester. Trainees will participate in training activities that will include:

1. A major focus will be on achieving research independence in a manner that goes beyond the experience of the "typical" laboratory technician. Thus, all trainees will be expected to develop independent research projects which will be conducted in a closely supervised/mentored environment, with input from both faculty and peer mentors, and external oversight from a mentoring team.
    
2. Participation in an individually tailored and tightly focused academic program of study. Each scholar will have the opportunity to take a limited number of classes, including courses with highly restricted enrollment.
    
3. Ancillary training and enrichment activities will include participation in a PREP seminar series (with speakers to be invited and hosted by PREP trainees); career/professional development workshops (e.g., career stories, writing workshops); training in scientific communication; attendance at national research meetings; and an annual retreat/symposium.
    
4. Emphasis on training in scientific communication skills will take the form of required coursework (student seminars), and professional training (presentations at national research meetings). In addition, all PREP scholars will be required to deliver a formal oral presentation on their research at an annual program retreat/symposium.

Eligibility

1. All participants must have graduated with a baccalaureate degree in a biomedically relevant science from an accredited U.S. college or university no more than 36 months prior to the date of submission of the application.
    
2. All individuals selected as scholars must intend to apply, within two years, for graduate education that will eventually lead to the research doctorate.
    

Note: that the period of appointment for scholars participating in this post- baccalaureate program is generally for one year, but may be for up to two years. It is expected that if the PREP scholar performs satisfactorily, they will be strongly encouraged to apply for admission to the graduate program at the University of Rochester.

For more information on NIH’s Interest in Diversity please visit: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html