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Welcome to the COMPASS Program

Applications due April 8, 2024

The Program

Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem cell Science (COMPASS) is an undergraduate research and internship program funded through a grant from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The aim of the program is to train a diverse cadre of undergraduates to enter the booming field of regenerative medicine directly after earning their bachelor's degree in biological science at CSUF.  The two-year training program includes coursework, research, summer internships, and mentorship from faculty and recent alumni.  Financial support is provided to make these year-round activities possible for the students accepted into the program. Seven students a year will be accepted as COMPASS scholars.

If you are looking for the online tool to find the right help on campus, you have landed on the wrong webpage. The Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) COMPASS site is unrelated to this biomedical internship program.

Program Director: Alison Miyamoto, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Biological Sciences (almiyamoto@fullerton.edu)

Applicant Requirements:

  1. Biological Science major at Cal State Fullerton.
  2. Completion of the following five courses: BIOL 151, BIOL 152, BIOL 251, BIOL 252, CHEM 120B, and at least one of the following two courses, BIOL 253L or BIOL 254L. Deadline for completion: The May prior to the start of the two-year program.
  3. There is no GPA requirement beyond satisfactory academic progress.
  4. An interest in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and/or gene therapy.
  5. Intention to join the biological workforce after graduation for at least a year.
    1. Cannot plan to enroll in an advanced degree program (ex. MD, DO, PhD, PA) in the Fall term after graduation.
  6. Commitment to two years in the program, including four semesters of coursework, academic year research, and summer internships in both years. 
  7. Although not a requirement, the program is especially interested in applications from students who are either or both first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible. Students from other disadvantaged backgrounds or who have faced challenges in their academic journey are also encouraged to apply.

Program Timeline by semester:

Fall, Year 1

  • Coursework: BIOL 280R, BIOL 303, BIOL 329
  • Research on campus (BIOL 299L/499L)
  • COMPASS seminar (BIOL 480P, 2 unit course)
  • Activities: MiraCosta biomanufacturing experience, patient engagement, community outreach

Spring, Year 1

  • Coursework: BIOL 280R, BIOL 280S, BIOL 405     
  • Research on campus (BIOL 499L)
  • COMPASS seminar (BIOL 480P, 2 unit course)
  • Activities: MiraCosta online regulatory affairs course, patient engagement, community outreach

Summer, Year 1

  • 10-11 week internship at one of our partner institutions that may include laboratories at UCI, UCLA, Stanford, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, and biotechnology companies.

Fall, Year 2

  • Coursework: BIOL 482 (or other capstone), ENGL 363     
  • Research on campus (BIOL 499L)
  • COMPASS seminar (BIOL 480P, 2 unit course)
  • Activities: MiraCosta cell manufacturing experience, patient engagement, community outreach

Spring, Year 2

  • Coursework: BIOL 482 (or other capstone),  EGGN 122  
  • Research on campus (BIOL 499L)
  • COMPASS seminar (BIOL 480P, 2 unit course)
  • Activities: culminating capstone project presentation, patient engagement, community outreach

Summer, Year 2

  • 10-12 week internship at one of our partner institutions that may include laboratories at UCI, UCLA, Stanford, SBP Medical Discovery Institute, and biotechnology companies. This internship is designed to be a launching pad for your first job after graduation.
  • If all other university requirements completed, graduate in Summer, Year 2, which makes a student eliglibe to walk in Commencement in Spring of Year 2.

Obligations after graduation

  • Apply to, and work at, a biotechnology job at a company, university, or research institute for at least a year. 

Financial Support:

  • Academic year (mid-August-May): Tuition support (approximately $2,700 per semester for 2023-24; similar for 2024-25); and $1,000/month stipend
  • Summers (June-mid-August): $9,000 per 3-month internship