Initiative to Maximize Student Diversity

What are the program goals?

IMSD brings in undergraduate students (Native Americans, Hispanics, African-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Non-minorities) to have a significant research opportunity in the broad area of biomedical sciences, develop leadership potential, and prepare for graduate school. Many of our undergraduates publish peer-review scientific papers as undergraduates.IMSD graduate students are chosen through discussion with admissions committees around campus. Our graduate students typically are very productive in terms of publishing, presenting at scientific meetings, and as exceptional students and leaders. Being part of the IMSD family does not end at year two for any of our students - the support of the program is something you can count on.

Am I eligible?

Undergraduates at UNM and students applying for graduate school at UNM. You should be seriously considering graduate school or want to find out more. We do not accept students whose professional goals are MD, JD, PharmD, or other professional degree. We do accept a few MD/PhD students, but one of our goals is to increase the number of potential minority faculty members, so we focus on those students who have an interest in research.
The qualified applicant will be at least a sophomore, have at least 4 semesters left at UNM, and a GPA of 2.75 or higher - higher is better. IMSD students typically have GPAs of 3.2 and higher - and we can sometimes help motivated students who have had past grades below this.
Successful applicants need to be interested in helping to diversify the sciences. We have as a goal, working together to find ways to increase diversity in graduate programs and increase awareness of opportunities in scientific research. IMSD has a wonderful and diverse group of students and we want to welcome especially students from small towns and rural areas because IMSD can help you achieve your dreams.
Successful applicants will have an interest in the broad area of biomedical research, including biology, biochemistry, psychology, chemistry, math, physics, CS, CE, or Chemical Engineering.

What is the program?

Undergraduates will participate in IMSD for about 2 years, usually as juniors and seniors. During that time, you will do research in one of the laboratories participating in the program.
You will be paid - undergraduates can earn up almost $11,000 per year from IMSD. You will be paid for up to 15 hours per week during the semester and 30 hours a week during breaks and over the summer.
You wil learn about laboratory research, graduate school, and many more aspects of being in science.
You will be supported to attend one national conference per year - starting with SACNAS and a professional meeting the second year.
IMSD has a mandatory 1-credit class each semester. This will include a seminar for undergraduates and graduates to discuss issues of importance to the students, how to work in a lab, how to pick a graduate school, etc. One semester, you will take a GRE-prep course and actually take the GRE (get it over with!!) - all paid for by IMSD. We will also have a short laboratory techniques course.
You will be encouraged to spend one summer away from UNM for another research experience.
When you graduate, whether or not you go to graduate school the following year, you will know your options, have a completed application in hand - including your letters of reference, and have taken the GRE. You will leave UNM with more than a degree - you will see the path to many different and exciting options for your life.

In the IMSD program, we believe there should be nothing to keep you from following your dreams.

updated 10/07/2009