Frequently Asked Questions About How the Program Works

What is the goal of the MBRS Program?

MBRS is designed to help overcome the nation's shortage of individuals who have been historically excluded from careers in biomedical research fields. The MBRS Program provides you with an exciting, hands-on opportunity to learn the process and procedures of research, and then helps you become a professional biomedical researcher.

Who sponsors the MBRS Program?

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a grant from its National Institute of General Medical Sciences division under the MORE Program (Minority Opportunities for Research Enhancement).

Am I eligible for the MBRS Program?

The MBRS Program primarily supports undergraduate and graduate students who have been traditionally underrepresented in biomedically-related research careers.  Applicants must be United States citizens or hold a permanent resident visa. Eligibility requires enrollment at the Texas Woman's University Denton campus on a full-time matriculated basis and maintaining a B or better average academic record. For more detailed information see Undergraduate Criteria or Graduate Criteria for selection of MBRS student participants.

What do I do as an MBRS student?

With the help and guidance of an MBRS faculty mentor, other MBRS students, and visiting scientists, you will learn how to: design and carry out your own research project; present your discoveries to other students and faculty at the MBRS seminar/workshop series; present your research results at professional scientific conferences; and publish your findings in research journals.

What do I receive as an MBRS student?

• SALARY for research work, available 12 months a year. 
  
      Current undergraduate student wages are $10.00 per hour for 15 hours maximum per week (tuition paid by student). Undergraduate students accepted to MBRS who maintain continuation criteria may participate in the program for their four-year academic career at the TWU Denton campus.
  
      Current graduate student annual salary range $12,900 - $17,700 (salary range requires 20 hours per week research work and depends upon academic level and major of the student). Graduate-level students accepted to MBRS who meet the continuation criteria may participate in the program for a maximum of two years at the TWU Denton campus.

• GRADUATE TUITION AND FEES PAID IN FULL by the MBRS Program for two-years of graduate-level education.

• TRAVEL funds to attend one scientific meeting per year.

• SUPPLIES for your laboratory research project.

Are there other benefits to be gained?

You will become a part of the MBRS family on the TWU campus. You will interact with MBRS students and faculty on a daily basis, gaining hands-on experience in a scientific research laboratory. Your one-on-one work with your faculty mentor and networking with other scientists will better prepare you for graduate school and a career in biomedical research.

How long can I be an MBRS student?

You are eligible as long as you maintain satisfactory progress in your academic and research activities. You may start in the MBRS Program in your first, second, third, or fourth year as a TWU undergraduate student, and maintain continuous MBRS support through graduation. It is beneficial to begin as early in your undergraduate education as possible. Some students have started in the MBRS Program as undergraduates, then continued to work as MBRS graduate students, with graduate tuition and fees being paid in full by the MBRS Program for two years. For more detailed continuation information see the section entitled Undergraduate Criteria or Graduate Criteria for continuation of MBRS student participants.

How do I join the MBRS program?

For an application form and more information, phone the Texas Woman's University MBRS Office at (940) 898-3328 or stop by room GRB-301 in the Graduate Research Building. If you are off campus, please send in the request form and we will send you an application form. If you are not an enrolled TWU student, please request a TWU application in addition to the MBRS application. Admission to the MBRS Program is competitive. Applications are accepted throughout the year and applicants may be admitted to the program whenever positions become available.

What will I need to complete the MBRS application?

• Application form with all information completed.

• A short essay describing your academic and career goals, stating the reasons you are requesting admission to the MBRS Program, describing what you have to offer the program, and defining what benefits you expect to receive by participating.

• Your complete transcript.

• Contact information for two personal references, with one written letter of recommendation (preferably from an instructor in a biomedical research discipline).

There is no application fee. Application can be made during any semester requesting placement for the upcoming semester. Appointments are made at the end of each semester for the following semester start.

A list of the participating MBRS faculty mentors and their research specialties can be reviewed at our Faculty Research Projects page.