Program Summary

Each year, applications from undergraduate Appalachian Colleges for science-minded- students who have not graduated by August of the program year are considered. We are unable to accommodate international students. 

A stipend of $3,000 will be provided to each participant for the nine-week experience. Participants will receive free room and board, and travel to and from the program. Please be aware that students are required to provide their own health insurance coverage during the summer program.

Eligibility 

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• US Citizenship or Permanent Residency (valid green card) is required due to funding sources. International students are not eligible for this program.
• Career goals and stated interest in research, including why you would like to participate in the program.
• Academic record, particularly in science-related courses
• Laboratory experience
• Preference is given to those with an interest in attending Marshall University for their graduate education.

As a condition of acceptance into the program, program participants will be asked after their departure to update information on their educational and career activities. This tracking is done solely to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. It is critical that we be able to conduct this long-term evaluation in order to maintain continuing funding for the programs. The information collected remains strictly confidential. 

Research Placements - Mentor Directory 2024

Faculty mentors will provide projects that will introduce students to contemporary research in the fields of biomedical science. Areas of research include, but are not limited to, the following:  

On the application, you will be asked to review the mentor directory, list your top three mentor choices in order of preference (#1 being your top choice), and why their topics are of interest to you. Your choices will serve as a guide for a mentor to be assigned. The directory of mentors and their research projects can be accessed in the Mentor Directory 2024. 

To be considered complete, your application must contain the following:

• Completed online application form (no fee) - please download this document and email it directly to MASSBRI@marshall.edu
• Transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended – Unofficial copies may be uploaded to the online application or scanned and emailed to the address below. Please note you may be required to provide official copies at a later date.
• Two letters of recommendation from professors of scientific disciplines. Please have them use the recommendation form and directions included in the online application. They may scan their form (and letter, if included) and email (from their institution’s email account) them as an attachment(s) to the program at MASSBRI@marshall.edu. You may have additional forms/letters submitted if you wish.
• Written statement addressing interest/experience in research, career goals, and why you would like to participate in this program (generally 350-700 words). 
• A résumé should be included with your application.

Application for 2024

1. Travel: The program will provide airfare or mileage depending upon the applicant’s location, access to transportation, and cost. If you are selected for the program, the Program Coordinator will provide additional information.
2. If you are coming by air, the program will arrange your flights and provide you with an e-ticket.
3. The on-campus dorms that are used for the program change each year in accordance with MU Housing Department selection.  We will not know which dorms will be used until about a month prior to the program and will not have a room assignment until a couple of days prior to your arrival.
4. Meals are provided with your housing.
5. Our funding requires that eligible students be US Citizens or permanent residents (Green card holders). Unfortunately, we are not able to accept international students.
6. You will receive half of your stipend payment during the first week of the program, and the 2^nd half during the last week.
7. Acceptance decisions are made after a thorough review of applications. Notifications are sent in batches typically between the first part of March until about mid-April.
8. Once we have received acceptances for the full cohort of interns, you will be notified of mentor selection.
9. You will be provided a lab coat.
10. Interns are in double rooms; expect to have a roommate.
11. Since MASSBRI interns come from all over Appalachia, often s/he will not have a car. We provide transportation to all the officially scheduled events and often can work something out for other times too. There is also a local bus system and Lyft and Uber.
12. Interns will have an opportunity to present their research orally during the final week of the program. All interns will also have a poster presentation at the WV Symposium on the final day of the program.
13. There will be opportunities to meet with the Medical School admissions staff and interact with medical students and diversity-related programs during the internship.
14. All program activities, including social outings, are an opportunity to network and learn.  Participants are expected to attend all scheduled events.