Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)

The Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) at CSU aims to fill the gap in veterinarians trained in foundational, translational, and/or clinical research. This multi-track program enables recent Bachelor of Science graduates from underrepresented minority, first-generation, and/or socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds to be competitive to enter either a Ph.D. (track 1) or combined D.V.M./Ph.D. (track 2) program.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the goal of the national Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program is to develop a diverse pool of well-trained postbaccalaureates who will transition into and complete rigorous biomedical, research-focused doctoral degree programs in biomedical fields relevant to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences mission.

Program activities

Trainees will enhance their aptitude for foundational, translational and/or clinical research, develop skills in independent critical reasoning, creative ideation, observation and rigorous experimental design and analytical interpretation, peer mentorship, and responsible and ethical conduct of research. Confirmation of acceptance to a graduate program upon successful completion of the program is desired, but not required.

Participants will engage in veterinary and translational medicine research training through research skills development, professional skills development, and scientific research:

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• hold a Bachelor of Science in a biomedically relevant field (such as microbiology, biomedical sciences, or closely related field) from an accredited college or university awarded no more than 36 months before applying.
• be from underrepresented groups as defined by the NIH (includes individuals underrepresented by race, ethnicity, dis/ability, income level, or first-generation status; see NIH’s Interest in Diversity notice for full list of underrepresented populations).
• intend to apply to research-focused biomedical doctoral degree programs (e.g. Ph.D. or D.V.M./Ph.D.) during or immediately following completion of PREP. Intent to pursue medical degrees does not qualify.
• be United States citizens or non-citizen nationals or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (at the time of appointment).
• be able to begin the program July 1, 2024.
• not be enrolled in a degree granting program when they begin PREP.

Funding

Financial support includes:

• $30,000 stipend (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025)
• Employee Study Privilege benefit (9 credit hours)
• $2,000 travel stipend
• $2,500 child care supplement (as needed)

Application information

Before applying, applicants are encouraged to identify a PREP faculty member whose research aligns with their interest.

Please be prepared to:

1. describe your specific interest in PREP, highlighting how you will benefit from the program.
2. describe your current and future career goals, specifically discussing your personal and academic experiences (including pre-college and college experiences) that led you to those goals.
3. discuss your personal interest in increasing diversity in the biomedical workforce.

Application materials

• Unofficial transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation:
  • Referral letter: Should come from a faculty mentor or professor with whom you have worked, or a coordinator/director of a program you have previously applied to that can address how this program will increase your competitiveness for admission to a graduate program.
  • Letter from a professor, employer, or researcher: Speaks to your educational qualifications, work ethic, and desire to pursue a graduate degree.