College of Arts and Sciences

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MBRS (Multi-Ethnic Biomedical Research Support) Program

The MBRS Program is a nationwide program established by the National Institutes of Health and administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, MORE Division (Minority Opportunities for Research Enhancement). The purpose of the MBRS Program is to strengthen institutional research capabilities and provide for student participation in research at universities having substantial enrollments of traditionally underrepresented groups with a demonstrated commitment to the special encouragement and assistance of individual students who have been historically excluded from careers in biomedical research.

A specific mission of the Texas Woman's University is to provide primarily women an academic and social environment for learning, involvement, and leadership development to enable them to pursue and complete higher educational programs, which afford economic mobility and independence. The MBRS Program at TWU is central to the University's program to increase the number of underrepresented TWU alumni that move through the baccalaureate program to graduate school, to postdoctoral training, and ultimately to the position of a successful biomedical researcher.

The MBRS Program provides salary support, mentor assistance, and academic support for undergraduate and graduate students under three separate initiatives. The PreMBRS component provides up to 15 hours per week of salary support for freshmen and sophomore participants while they acquire expertise in academic and research activities. The Undergraduate MBRS component provides up to 20 hours per week salary support while students pursue scholarly research activities under the supervision of a research mentor. The Graduate MBRS component provides salary support and benefits commiserate with that of a Graduate Research Assistant at TWU. Graduate MBRS students are expected to pursue the Master's or Ph.D. degree in a discipline relevant to the pursuit of a career in biomedical research. Such disciplines include, but are not limited to, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Kinesiology, Mathematics, Nursing, Nutrition, Psychology and Sociology.

MBRS students are expected to attend and make presentations at scientific meetings and co-author research publications. Funds are provided for research equipment and supplies, travel to scientific meetings, and technical support. Graduate tuition and fees are paid in full by the MBRS Program.

A major strength of TWU is the faculty's commitment to education. Applicants to the MBRS Program indicate their field of study and preference for a faculty mentor. Following a series of interviews, a match between a candidate and a faculty mentor will be recommended to the advisory committee for the final acceptance review. Faculty mentors provide MBRS students with continuous encouragement and support toward the pursuit of an advanced degree. Daily interaction with peers and faculty enhance the opportunity for student involvement in biomedical research on the TWU Denton campus.

Lynda Uphouse

Dr. Lynda Uphouse
director of the Multi-Ethnic Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) program at TWU.