UW PREP is an NIH-funded post-baccalaureate program which recruits recent college graduates to conduct one year of mentored research and training to prepare for graduate school in the biomedical sciences. The program recruits candidates interested in pursuing a graduate degree in biomedical doctoral programs (Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.). Consistent with NIH general interest to develop a pool of highly talented scientists from diverse backgrounds who will help further its mission, the program strongly encourages applications from economically disadvantaged students, those with disabilities, neurodiverse students, as well as members of rural communities and ethnic groups who have historically been underrepresented in the sciences (see eligibility).
Financial Support
The UW PREP supports students for one year with a $36,900/year salary (subject to NIH approval), plus benefits, educational allowance, and per diem/travel to one national conference. The program runs from mid-June until the end of June of the following year.
Program Components
Courses and training
- Five-week writing workshop developed specifically for the program
- One graduate or upper-level undergraduate course at UW
- Health and safety mandatory training
- Responsible conduct of research training
- Training in methods for enhancing rigor and reproducibility
- Fellowship application course at the Dept of Chemistry
Cutting-edge research
- Interdisciplinary cutting-edge research in a host lab in a field matching the student’s research interests
- Weekly informal research/lab meetings
- Department/division seminar series
- Weekly journal club
- Networking opportunities
Mentoring
- Bi-weekly one-to-one meetings with the Program’s director
- Individual Development Plan (IDP): The student and the program’s director will develop a plan to obtain effective mentoring, counseling, and academic support
- Advice and counsel to develop graduate school applications for at least five top-tier graduate programs
- Orientation through a set of introductory meetings to meet other trainees, PREP administrators, faculty, and staff
- A mentor will direct the different aspects of a cohesive and interdisciplinary research project
Scientific meetings
- Attend one national scientific meeting
- Attend the yearly SACNAS/ABRCMS meeting
- Informal lunch session with one prominent scientist from URM group for networking
- Yearly retreat with one prominent scientist with a URM background
- Present their scientific findings at the UW annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in May
In addition, the students will receive supplemental training in scientific writing, literature evaluation, and interaction with the academic scientific community.