The NIH-funded MBRS-RISE programs are a prestigious and well-known research training programs that have provided support for underrepresented students and faculty for the past 30 years .  UTSA Fr./Soph. RISE is designed to develop  underrepresented and disadvantaged UTSA undergraduates as research scientists, at early stages of their college career.  Students who are Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science majors may participate.  New Freshmen can apply for the RISING Researcher Award and begin exploring if scientific research is the career for them!  Students can apply for the RISE program, to begin in their second semester.  While in RISE, students are paid hourly for their participation in this program, enabling them to focus on their school work and professional development as researchers while avoiding dead-end jobs.

fsRISE students participate in laboratory rotations through UTSA research laboratories, learn how to read the scientific literature, and deepen their knowledge of career paths in science.  In their first summer (as rising sophomores) students participate in a Research Bootcamp that consists of a structured Foundations of Laboratory Science course, professional and leadership development workshops, and a full-time research experience.  Students will continue in this laboratory part-time throughout their Sophomore year, while engaging in additional personal and professional development activities.  These activities include attendance of a national conference (paid for by the program!), and several opportunities to present their research as oral or poster presentations. 

During their final Spring semester in the program, students will apply to Jr/Sr RISE, McNair Program or MARC U*STAR or other research training programs on campus to continue their research experience.  They will also apply to Summer Programs at premier graduate schools throughout the country, where they will continue their development! 

RISE Trainees are in demand at Graduate Schools of highest caliber!  Beginning a research career while in the earliest stages of undergraduate education sets the stage for considerable undergraduate accomplishment in the research laboratory, and an even better chance of excelling in graduate studies.  If you are seriously considering pursuing a scientific career, the RISE program is for you!

For more info, email: gail.taylor@utsa.edu