Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates in Biological Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico (RaMP- UP) aims to provide students that have completed their B.S. degrees with the opportunity to gain meaningful experiences in research and professional development within a supportive research environment. The RaMP-UP program recruits annually a cohort of 10 recent graduates to work during one year on a project in the laboratory of one of the program mentors and co-mentors. Participants receive intensive training and mentoring from faculty and participate in seminars and workshops centered on topics of interest and on professional development activities. By the end of their internship they will have developed a deep understanding of biological research. They should have presented their work in scientific meetings and should be able to publish their findings. Finally, on completion of the program, RaMP-UP scholars should have acquired the necessary knowledge, mentoring and skills to successfully continue their education toward MS or PhD degrees in STEM fields, or other research-related STEM career pathways. To achieve these goals, we have established a network that includes (1) faculty contacts in primary teaching universities that will promote our program and serve as liaison between the program and prospective candidates, (2) a group of active researchers in biological areas eager to provide research experience and direct mentoring to student participants, (3) additional investigators from other natural sciences department that will serve as co-mentors and (4) mainland institutions interested in recruiting promising students to their graduate programs. 

Eligibility Requirements

Must be:

• Students that have completed their B.S. in the past five years (after June 2019) are eligible. 

• Students must have completed their B.S. with a GPA greater than 3.0 (4.0 scale). 

• Students should be U.S. citizens, national or permanent residents.

• Interested in pursuing a career in emerging fields at the intersection of biology with other scientific disciplines that incorporate computational and quantitative analysis.

Nice to Have:

• Priority will be given to students from universities and colleges that lack a strong research component and those from groups that have been historically underrepresented in STEM fields.

• Interested in thriving in a new environment

• Hold a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field.

• Indicate three possible mentors whose research aligns with their interests.

APPLY HERE