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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. |
