Mentors and Campus Partners

Iowa Sciences Academy is seeking underrepresented undergraduate students interested in research to join our close-knit community of students, faculty and staff.  If you have students who will be graduating in SP24 or SP25 that are interested in a career in research and committed to pursuing a PhD in science after graduation - please encourage them to Apply Now!

The UI-MARC (Maximizing Access to Research Careers) is an NIH-funded program that supports the academic and personal success of underrepresented students interested in pursuing a PhD to develop knowledge, interventions or technology to improve human health.  With a strong demand for these types of researchers, the UI-MARC program will prepare you for admission to a PhD program and ultimately, a career in research.

VIRTUAL INFO SESSION with program Director Lori Adams
Tuesday 1/24 2-4pm or Thursday 1/26 2-4pm
Click Here for Link

Benefits for UI-MARC Participants

By the time UI-MARC trainees graduate, they are strong candidates for top graduate programs in the sciences. Those admitted to the UI-MARC program receive:

• One-on-one mentoring from UI research faculty
• Competitive stipend of $13,920 for laboratory research (year-round) 
• Up to 60% Tuition (based on cost of attendance)
• Preparation for a PhD education through hands-on research experience, seminars and conferences
• Financial support for travel to science conferences where students present their research
• Summer Research Support - on-campus room & board or funding for external research experience

Who Can Apply?

• Rising Junior or Senior (Graduating SP24/SP25)
• Enrolled in a qualifying major 
• Currently hold a position in a research lab
• Committed to pursuing a PhD in the sciences
• Hold at least a 3.0 GPA
• Committed to diversity
• Be a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Submit a free application complete with a short essay and a letter of recommendation from a research advisor
• Selected applicants must conduct an in-person interview before being accepted into the program

Supported Majors

Students must declare at least one of the following majors for their undergraduate studies in order to qualify for the UI-MARC program.

Iowa Sciences Academy

The UI-MARC program is looking for students like YOU to join our close-knit community of students, faculty and staff!

Iowa Sciences Academy is accepting MARC applications NOW!

Deadline for priority consideration is February 1st, 2023.

For more information see our website isa.uiowa.edu or contact us at UI-ISA@uiowa.edu.

Apply Now

If you know of other underrepresented undergrads who may be interested in this opportunity, please pass this information along!  

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