# A Multidisciplinary MARC U-STAR Program at UND

> **NIH NIH T34** · UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA · 2021 · $361,540

## Abstract

A MULTIDISICIPLINARY MARC U-STAR PROGRAM AT UND
This application seeks funding for a multidisciplinary Maximizing Access to Research Careers Undergraduate
Science Training and Research (MARC U-STAR) program at the University of North Dakota (UND). The goal for
this program is to increase the number of undergraduate, underrepresented honor students in the biomedical
and biobehavioral sciences who will go on to successfully complete PhD programs of study and begin a
research career. UND has high numbers of underrepresented students enrolled in the biomedical and
biobehavioral sciences. However, a paucity of underrepresented PhD prepared investigators exists. Given that
no MARC U-STAR program resides in any of the Northern Plains states, the need for the MARC U-STAR
program at UND is profound.
The objectives for this research training program are:
Objective 1: To graduate the brightest underrepresented students for successful entry into PhD programs by
creating a “U-STAR Learning Community” with intense academic advisement and structured research training
preparation.
 Objective 2: To provide first semester underrepresented (UR) sophomore honors students with Pre-MARC
informational and educational experiences to facilitate student success and entry into the MARC U-STAR
Program.
A “Research Round-up” session will inform high achieving first semester sophomore UR students and their
families of biomedical and bio-behavioral research training opportunities at UND. During the sophomore year,
the MARC U-STAR program will: 1) equip high achieving UR students with time and stress management and
critical thinking skills; 2) promote interactions among Pre-MARC students, MARC trainees, and faculty mentors
through a dedicated “U-STAR Learning Community;” and 3) offer sessions to help students navigate library
resources, conduct literature searches, and read and understand scientific articles. Through these activities
and intensive advisement, the goal is that highly qualified UR sophomore students successfully apply and
complete the MARC U-STAR Program.
We propose to select three MARC trainees in the first year and then six MARC trainees annually from the Pre-
MARC student pool. The application review process will be conducted by the MARC U-STAR Advisory
Committee using the following eligibility criteria: 1) Minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale; 2) Is an
underrepresented student; 3) Must have completed 60 semester hours of undergraduate study; 4) Be a
declared STEM, biomedical or biobehavioral science major; 5) Has an interest in being involved in a biomedical
or biobehavioral research project; and 6) Indicates commitment to pursuing an advanced degree (PhD or
MD/PhD) in the biomedical or biobehavioral sciences. After selection, the MARC U-STAR program will provide
the trainees a structured research training program that includes: 1) Training in the Responsible Conduct for
Research; 2) Course work in Skills for Student Success; Utilization of Library Resources; ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10166864
- **Project number:** 5T34GM122835-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** GLENDA N LINDSETH
- **Activity code:** T34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $361,540
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-06-01 → 2023-05-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10166864

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10166864, A Multidisciplinary MARC U-STAR Program at UND (5T34GM122835-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10166864. Licensed CC0.

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