The University of California, Davis - home to the largest number of biologists on a single campus in North America is proud to offer support to outstanding students entering doctoral programs in the biomedical sciences through the National Institutes of Health-Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD). Our IMSD program is funded by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is currently in its 26th year (at 2024). The overall goal of the NIGMS-IMSD program is to “strengthen research training environments and promote broader participation in the biomedical research workforce by expanding the pool of well-trained scientists earning a Ph.D​.” 

IMSD GRADUATE PROGRAM

During their first year as a Ph.D. student, each NIH-IMSD Fellow will receive a stipend for living expenses plus all tuition and student fees. This stipend will be provided in partnership with their graduate program. An additional four years of support will be available through a variety of resources including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or other forms of graduate student support, assuming satisfactory progress is being made toward earning the Ph.D. degree.

The IMSD program builds connections between IMSD Fellows and other student and faculty colleagues in the life sciences. During a summer bridge program, which starts in August preceding the first year of graduate school, Fellows will spend seven weeks conducting research in the laboratory of a faculty member and meeting weekly as a group. A seminar class is taught during the academic year by a faculty member on the program's steering committee. It includes activities focused on enhancing scientific writing and oral presentation skills, instruction on computer and library search techniques, experimental design, and modern issues in biomedical sciences.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

To add to the value of their academic experience at UC Davis, IMSD fellows participate in academic enrichment opportunities both on- and off-campus and will participate in other meetings and serve as mentors for newer cohorts.

PEER MENTORSHIP

Mentorship by faculty in the laboratory setting is augmented by peer mentoring. IMSD fellows  develop personal and professional relationships with fellow researchers. IMSD fellows also learn to provide guidance and mentorship to undergraduate and prospective students through participation in campus outreach activities.

THE UC DAVIS CAMPUS

Established in 1908, UC Davis has vastly broadened in scope. Today, campus programs encompass the biological & environmental sciences, arts & humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. Additionally, professional degree and credential programs are available through the School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Law, Graduate School of Management, and Division of Education. The campus offers graduate students an especially rich array of resources in the biological sciences.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be students in a Ph.D. program at UC Davis who are U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals of the U.S., or permanent residents.  

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE IMSD PROGRAM

Students interested in applying for the IMSD program must submit a 2-page essay on their lived experiences and perspectives, including any barriers they faced, and how these intersect with their commitment to a career in the biomedical research field. This essay, together with their application materials submitted to UC Davis Graduate Studies, will be considered for choosing trainees for the IMSD program. Interested candidates should write to IMSD program staff regarding their interest in applying and to submit their essay. The rest of the application materials will be obtained directly from their graduate group at UC Davis.

Students from 15 grad groups in the biomedical field at UC Davis are eligible for the IMSD program: 

Contact:

Director: Dr. Aldrin Gomes (avgomes@ucdavis.edu)

Co-Director: Dr. Manuel F Navedo (mfnavedo@ucdavis.edu)

Coordinator: Dr. Stephanie Palacio (spalacio@ucdavis.edu)