Research Opportunities

Bridges to Stem Cell Research (BSCR)Opens in new window

The Bridges to Stem Cell Research is a one-year program that provides students with research experience in Molecular and Cell Biology in the areas of stem cell and regenerative medicine. Students are immersed in various cell biology techniques while at CSUF, and then the following year, they will undertake an internship in one of four participating research institutions (USC, UCI, CHOC, UCR).

California Pre-Doctoral ProgramOpens in new window

The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Winners will be designated as Sally Casanova Scholars, as a tribute to Dr. Sally Casanova, for whom the award is named. With the aid of a faculty sponsor, these scholars are exposed to unique opportunities to explore and help prepare them to succeed in doctoral programs. The program provides travel funds to visit doctorate-granting institutions, options for summer research internships, and funds for other related activities. 

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)Opens in new window

The LSAMP program encourages and prepares college students from STEM disciplines for graduate programs. LSAMP has three tiers of students: research, community college transfer students, and participants. LSAMP serves 30-40 students per year bridging the gap between research faculty and students. Summer and academic year workshops, academic year conferences, research and summer research prepares students for post baccalaureate work. 

McNair Scholars ProgramOpens in new window

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program was established by the U.S. Department of Education in 1986. The Program, named for astronaut and Challenger space shuttle crew member, Dr. Ronald E. McNair, encourages students to pursue graduate studies. The program provides opportunities to define goals, engage in research, and develop the skills and student/faculty mentor relationships critical to success at the doctoral level.

Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)Opens in new window

The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program is sponsored by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Its goal is to prepare students underrepresented in the biomedical sciences for success in a PhD program and research career. 

Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training Program (MHRT)Opens in new window

The Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training (MHIRT) Program is an NIMHD-sponsored program that provides  undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, postdoctoral, and/or health professions students from minority backgrounds  the opportunity to carry out research during the summer under the direction of world-renowned biochemists and molecular biologists at the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, York, and London in Great Britain, the Chiang Mai University in Thailand, and Institutes of Basic and Clinical Research in Argentina.

Southern California Ecosystems Research Program (SCERP)Opens in new window

The Southern California Ecosystems Research Program (SCERP) was an NSF-funded program  (2002-2016) and is currently funded by philanthropic donations directly to the program. It  prepares undergraduate students for careers in environmental industry, government agencies, and graduate programs in Biology or Environmental Science.