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The mission of the Iowa Biosciences Advantage (IBA) program is to identify academically talented undergraduate underrepresented minority students with aspirations for a research career and provide them with first-rate training that will facilitate their entry into doctoral programs in the biomedical, behavioral, and biophysical sciences. Nationally, African-American, Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, and Pacific Islander groups are regarded as underrepresented in these fields. While underrepresented minorities comprise 25% of the U.S. population, only 5.8% of earned science and engineering doctorates in 2004 were awarded to underrepresented people of color. It is imperative that programs in academic research create a more inclusive community of scholars and faculty, and IBA is contributing to that paradigm shift.

By the time IBA Scholars graduate, they are strong candidates for top graduate programs in the sciences. Those admitted to the IBA Scholar Program: 

• Receive one-on-one mentoring from UI research faculty
• Prepare for a PhD education through hands-on research experience, seminars and conferences
• Gain an insider’s familiarity with the UI’s highly ranked PhD programs
• Are eligible for financial support for travel to science conferences where they present their research
• Receive hourly wages for laboratory research (year-round) and on-campus room & board (summer)

The program faculty represent a broad range of disciplines in the basic and biomedical sciences including Anatomy & Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Molecular Physiology and Psychology.

Admission information for entering first-year students
Admission information for current undergraduate students
List of undergraduate majors that qualify for IBA
Typical IBA experience
Requirements for "good standing"
Financial Support
Application Information

How are students selected for this program?

There are two ways a student can apply for admission - as an entering first-year student, or during the undergraduate career either as a transfer student or as a UI student.

Qualified entering first-years must:

• Have a strong interest in scientific research 

• Have a qualifying academic major (see below)

•  Submit an IBA application

• Submit one letter of recommendation from a high school science or math teacher

First-year students are admitted as IBA Candidates.

At the close of the first year, Candidates apply for admission to the IBA Scholar program. Those admitted to the IBA Scholar program stay on campus for the 8-week summer session, working in a laboratory and completing the courses Introduction to Laboratory Techniques and Responsible Conduct of Research. IBA Scholars remain active in our program until they graduate, given they meet our academic and research requirements.

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Current undergraduates that wish to join IBA are admitted as Candidates or Scholars, depending upon previous research experience. Qualified undergraduates must:

• Have a strong interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in a biomedical, behavior, or biophysical science

• Have a qualifying academic major (see below)

• Be in good academic standing (above 3.0 college GPA)

• Submit an IBA application

• Submit one letter of recommendation from a science or math instructor

Matriculation to the IBA Scholar program is determined on a case by case basis. Candidates will be evaluated based on written research proposals, interest in doctoral research programs and academic standing.

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What undergraduate majors qualify for the IBA program?  

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Chemistry 
• Engineering (Biomedical or Chemical)
• Environmental Science (Biosciences track)
• Integrative Physiology
• Mathematics
• Microbiology
• Physics
• Psychology

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What happens once I’m an IBA Scholar? Typical track for students entering IBA as first-years

IBA Scholars spend each summer and academic year conducting paid research and completing our seminars in preparation for doctoral study. The pillars of the IBA experience are mentored research, professional development, and academic development.

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Once I’m in, how do I stay in good standing?

After one semester in IBA, students with a UI GPA ≥ 3.0 will be considered in good academic standing.  Students with a UI GPA < 3.0 are placed on probation the following semester and work with Assistant Director Jodi Linley to improve their GPA. If they fail to maintain a 3.0 after two semesters, students are dismissed from the program. These students are encouraged to pursue other academic and career interests and are referred to other resource departments at the UI for continued support. Academic standing is evaluated at the end of each semester.

Good research standing is determined by the research mentor’s evaluation of their IBA student, using our evaluation rubric and grade (satisfactory-fail) at the end of each semester.

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What kind of financial support can I receive through this program?

With funding from the National Institutes of Health and The University of Iowa, IBA offers:

• Competitive hourly wages for laboratory research
• Summer room and board for 8-week session in our Living-Learning Community
• Travel to national science conferences when presenting your research
• Select students may become paid IBA staff (i.e., tutors, teaching assistants)

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Sounds great! How do I apply?

Applications are accepted year-round. Click application to apply online, or download a printable application. Printed applications can be mailed to:
        Iowa Biosciences Advantage
        100 College of Medicine Administration Bldg.
        Iowa City, IA  52242
        Or faxed to 319/335-3145