# U-RISE at University of Maryland Baltimore County

> **NIH NIH T34** · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY · 2024 · $999,765

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this application is to obtain funding for five years to support research training of 35
trainees per year in the Undergraduate Research Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program
at UMBC. The aim of U-RISE is to develop a diverse pool of undergraduates who complete their
baccalaureate degree, and transition into and complete biomedical, research-focused higher degree
programs (e.g., Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) and pursue biomedical research careers. The U-RISE trainee pool
will include students underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM);
specifically, racial and ethnic minorities, students of low socioeconomic status, and students with
disabilities. The program will provide a combination of activities to assure: (i) excellence in academic
science, (ii) understanding and adapting to the intensity and rigor of contemporary scientific research,
(iii) student interest in pursuing a Ph.D. degree and a career as a researcher in the biomedical
sciences, as well as (iv) selection of graduate school, and developing successful admission
applications, and (v) an emphasis on student mental health and wellness. U-RISE at UMBC will provide
comprehensive financial support to ensure that trainees can focus on preparing for a smooth and
successful transition from UMBC to competitive graduate programs at highly ranked institutions.
Students with relevant majors will be recruited from UMBC and community colleges during the second
semester of their sophomore year, and successful applicants will be appointed to U-RISE at the
beginning of the following summer. Admission eligibility will require a 3.2 cumulative GPA, a minimum
of 60 college-credits, and commitment to a research career in biomedical research. Trainee
participation will begin with a summer research internship and continue in the junior and senior
academic years with academically challenging courses, plus 8-10 hours per week in research with a
faculty mentor at UMBC or a nearby institution. Trainees must also enroll in required development
courses (i.e., scientific writing, and research ethics and policy), designed specifically for U-RISE
participants. Trainees must comply with program requirements to remain in good standing. Program
design and participant selection will be guided by the U-RISE Advisory Committee and administered by
the U-RISE Program Director (who has trained more than 50 undergraduate students in her lab) with
the assistance of the full-time U-RISE Associate Director. The efficacy of the program will be monitored
regularly by analysis of performance and student and alumni surveys.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10804671
- **Project number:** 5T34GM136497-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY
- **Principal Investigator:** PHYLLIS R ROBINSON
- **Activity code:** T34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $999,765
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-04-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10804671

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10804671, U-RISE at University of Maryland Baltimore County (5T34GM136497-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10804671. Licensed CC0.

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