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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:
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 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:
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. Current undergraduates that wish to join IBA are admitted as Candidates or Scholars, depending upon previous research experience. Qualified undergraduates must:
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. What undergraduate majors qualify for the IBA program?
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.
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. What kind of financial support can I receive through this program?
Sounds great! How do I apply? |
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Iowa Biosciences Advantage * The University of Iowa * 419 Gilmore Hall * Iowa City, IA 52242
800/553-IOWA, ext. 2452 or 7830 * FAX: 319/335-3145
Copyright 2008© Iowa Biosciences Advantage, The University of Iowa, All rights reserved.