Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

Program Purpose

The UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) offer upper division undergraduate students with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research projects. The programs are designed for students who wish to learn more about the graduate school experience and possibly pursue an academic career in teaching and research. Opportunities are available in virtually all academic fields (e.g., arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, health sciences, physical sciences, etc.).

Student participants in many SPUR programs will work with a faculty mentor with special expertise and interests matched, as closely as possible, to the student’s research interests and career goals. Most but not all SPUR programs pair students with a faculty mentor.  Students will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest.

Most SPUR programs feature seminars on:

  • writing and research skills
  • strategies for enhancing success in applying to graduate school
  • graduate school funding opportunities
  • opportunities for informal discussion with UCLA graduate students
  • academic career opportunities
  • GRE test preparation
  • cultural and educational activities

For further details about specific programs, please refer to the UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Research Booklet.

As a condition of acceptance into the program, program participants will be asked after their departure to update information on their educational and career activities. This tracking is done solely to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. It is critical that we be able to conduct this long-term evaluation in order to maintain continuing funding for the programs. The information collected remains strictly confidential.

Please check with your respective summer program of interest about whether it will be conducted remotely or in-person.

2023 Program Dates

Most programs run eight weeks, from June 2023 to August 2023. Some programs in the sciences, technological, engineering and mathematics fields run 10 weeks, from June 2023 to September 2023.  One program in the humanities and social sciences runs six weeks, from June 2023 to August 2023.

The tentative dates for SPUR 2023 are June 26 to August 18 (8-week programs) and June 26 to September 1 (10-week programs).

Deadline

All application materials and supporting documents must be received by March 31, 2023 unless otherwise stated in the program description. Preference will be given to applications that are completed by the program’s deadline. Notification of decisions will be made by the end of May 2023.  Please contact the individual program coordinators for questions regarding the application and application deadline.

Programs interested in being added to the those included in SPUR (or those on hiatus and seeking to resume inclusion) must reach out to RaShawna Williams, SPUR Program Representative, at rwilliams@college.ucla.edu by March 31, 2023. We do our best to include all requests, but cannot guarantee participation.

Participating Programs

There are multiple programs participating with UCLA SPUR. Below are brief summaries of each program. The summaries include the specific program components, eligibility requirements and length of the summer program. Please view the chart of participating summer programs at UCLA for a quick reference of programs and their related academic fields.

Please click on the links to learn about each program. You will be able to apply to a maximum of two (first choice and second choice) in our online application.

Amgen Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 1, 2023

The Amgen Scholars Program is a national program to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a career in science or engineering. Students interested in summer research in any area of biomedical science, chemistry, bioengineering or chemical engineering are encouraged to apply. Students will be paired with a UCLA faculty mentor if the student does not already have one. Program typically includes: stipend; housing; meals; 2-day biotechnology in Los Angeles; luncheons with faculty; workshops; seminars and poster presentations.

  • For undergraduates enrolled in four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories.
  • For sophomores (with 4 quarters or 3 semesters of college experience), juniors and non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue their undergraduate experience).
  • Must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.2 or above.
  • Must be interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
  • 10 weeks (all participants must be able to attend the program for its entire duration. Be sure to check your fall term start date before applying).
  • If you have questions, please contact Laurie Femmel at AmgenSch@lifesci.ucla.edu.

Bioscience Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Saturday, February 4, 2023

The Bioscience Scholars Program (formerly known as SPUR LABS) provides a rigorous eight or ten-week research training experience for undergraduates with interests in a broad range of bioscience disciplines– —from molecules to organisms and from basic to translational science. Exceptional research training, integrated with professional development activities, will prepare students to succeed in leading Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs. The program aims to contribute to diversity, inclusion, and the elimination of barriers to participation in bioscience research careers and is designed for students participating in honors research programs that foster transition to doctoral programs (e.g., Minority Access to Research Careers, MARC). Participants receive a stipend & food allowance of $4,000 for 8 weeks or $5,000 for 10 weeks. Participants will be matched with an appropriate faculty member based on research interests. There are over 400 faculty mentors in ten bioscience research areas.

A complete application includes the submission of the online application form as well as all supplementary materials, including two letters of recommendation and a personal statement that describes your bioscience research interests and any research experience, including how these interests and experiences have shaped your personal and professional goals, and how Bioscience Scholars Program would help you meet these goals. See Bioscience Scholars Program website for full details of supplementary application materials.

Selection criteria: academic preparation and achievement; leadership potential; relevance of research interests and experience; potential for the program to help the applicant achieve his/her career goals; and potential to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the bioscience research enterprise.

  • U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or AB 540
  • Prior to beginning the program, completion of at least two years of undergraduate study
  • Participants may not be UCLA students; UCLA students should consider other summer research opportunities such as CARE SEM or Amgen Scholars
  • Minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0
  • Intention to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in a bioscience field and not admitted or enrolled in a graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) at the time the program begins

For additional information see Bioscience Scholars Program website or contact the Program Directors, Drs. Gregory Payne and Diana Azurdia at spurlabs@mednet.ucla.edu.

B.I.G. Summer (Bruins In Genomics) 8-week Summer Research Program for Masters and Undergraduate Students

Application Deadline: Friday, March 3, 2023*

*Modified rolling admissions schedule. Early submission of application is strongly encouraged.

Bruins-in-Genomics (B.I.G. Summer) is an 8-week, full- time immersion internship for undergraduates interested in research that involves the analysis and interpretation of biomedical and life sciences data. Students learn the cutting-edge research tools and methods used by leading scientists to solve real- world problems.

Applicants must be:

  • A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or F-1 visa holder
  • Be a rising junior or senior
  • have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • have some familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., Python, R, Java, MATLAB, C++)

UCLA QCBio is committed to attracting exceptional students who will contribute to the University’s diversity. We especially encourage women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

Students interested in applying should only do so here.

For more information:
Caroline Baron
Program Manager
UCLA Institute for Quantitative & Computational Biosciences (QCBio)
Email: bigsummer@ucla.edu

Brain Research Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BRI-SURE)

Application Deadline: December 14*

*If you are in need of an extension to the deadline, contact Larone Ellison (Larone@lifesci.ucla.edu) as soon as possible.

The UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI) sponsors a summer undergraduate research experience (BRI-SURE) pathway program for students currently participating in the Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) and other honors research programs whose goal is to increase diversity. This program solicits applications from students from universities and colleges across the nation. BRI-SURE Pathway is an 8-week, intensive summer research-training program for exceptional students interested in pursuing research careers in Neuroscience or Physiology. The program is designed to provide a rigorous, in-depth research experience to prepare participants for top-quality Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. graduate programs. The BRI-SURE residential program offers a summer stipend. The BRI-SURE non-residential program does not offer a summer stipend. Although we anticipate an on-campus summer experience, we may have to resort to an online-only Summer Research Experience for 2022.

  • Applicants must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0;
  • Applicants must submit the following: 1) UCLA SPUR Online application form, 2) Academic transcript, 3) Personal statement (limit to 1000 words) that describes your past, present or future leadership in and commitment to research and diversity in science, 4) Summary of prior research, if any (limit to 1000 words), 5) Two letters of recommendation from science faculty, and 6) Paragraph (500 words or less) summarizing your interest in neuroscience or physiology;
  • In a separate file, applicants need to rank in order of preference, the top three research training areas: Neuroendocrinology, Sex Differences, and Reproduction; Neural Repair; Neural Microcircuits; Neurobehavioral Genetics; Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology; or Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology;
  • Submit additional application materials directly to larone@lifesci.ucla.edu

To learn more about how to apply to this program, please contact Dr. Gina Poe (Program Director) at larone@lifesci.ucla.edu

California State University (CSU) Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program

Application Deadline: Contact the program representative for your campus’ CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program

This program is restricted to undergraduate and master’s-level students in the California State University Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Program. The Program is designed to increase the pool of potential university faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Each of the selected CSU Sally Casanova pre-doctoral scholars works closely during the academic year with a CSU faculty sponsor to develop an overall plan leading ultimately to enrollment in a doctoral program. Each of these plans is tailored to specific goals and educational objectives of the student. The Program places special emphasis on increasing the number of CSU students who enter doctoral programs at one of the University of California institutions. Summer Program includes: stipend, on-campus housing or housing allowance, meal allowance, funds toward roundtrip transportation cost, GRE test preparation, workshops and oral presentations.

  • Open to all current CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars, both graduate and undergraduate.
  • 8 week program.
  • CSU Scholars complete only the UCLA SPUR online application after they have approval from the UCLA SPUR Coordinator; do not submit supplemental materials.
  • To become a CSU Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholar, please contact the program representative on your CSU campus.

Community College Field Biology Alliance

Application Deadline: TBD

This is a 9-month research internship designed for community college students. Student interns are assigned a graduate and undergraduate research mentor and meet at UCLA on the first Saturday of each month from April to July to design a field biology based independent research project. In August we travel as a group to a remote field station for 10 days to enact the planned intern research projects. The program culminates with student research presentations.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Full-time community college student.
  • Interest in environmental science, ecology, animal behavior, botany, and similar fields.
  • Ability to attend all monthly meetings and field excursion (all expenses covered by the program).

For more information and to apply, please visit the Community College Field Biology Alliance website. If you have any questions, please email them Amanda Robin (Program Director) at robina@ucla.edu.

Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC)

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC) program, is a 10-week summer research program, AND a year-long continuum with the goal of providing first-year community college students underrepresented​d in medicine and science, such as African American, Latinx, Native American, Pacific​ Islander, disabled and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, with hands-on exposure and training in scientific research aligned with the scientific mission of the NHLBI.

The CIRC program will provide these community college students with educational workshops, near-peer mentoring, and skills to help them transfer to a 4-year college or university and ultimately be prepared to pursue a health profession or scientific research career. Students will receive a stipend of $4,800.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current Los Angeles County community college student (Must have completed at least one semester)
  • Qualify as a student from an underrepresented group as defined by either A OR B:

A)Identify as a member of one of the following racial/ethnic groups:

  • Black or African American
  • Hispanic or Latinx
  • American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

B) Have a disadvantaged family background, defined as either 1 OR 2 below:

1) any of the following: having been or currently being homeless, were or currently are in the foster care system, were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years, have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree (e.g., “First-Generation”), were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grants, received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children

2) coming from an educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that has demonstrably and directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career.

  • US citizen or permanent resident
  • Have taken at least one college course in the general domains listed below and have composite grade point average of 3.2 or above in this coursework.
    1. Oral Communication
    2. Written Communication
    3. Critical Thinking
    4. Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning.
  • Must be able to attend the entire duration of the program.

To learn more information please visit the program website or email circprogram@cdrewu.edu. 

The Diversity Project

Application Deadline: Sunday, January 15, 2023

The Diversity Project is a 10-week* research-intensive summer program funded by the UC-HBCU initiative and the National Science Foundation focused on increasing participation of underrepresented minority students in marine and evolutionary biology. Through fieldwork and laboratory training, students will learn an integrative approach towards the study of the ecology and biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems at the Gump South Pacific Research Station on the island of Mo’orea, French Polynesia.  TDP complements student-centered fieldwork and laboratory research with mentoring on career development, ranging from successfully applying to graduate school to choosing a career. TDP faculty also work with students to publish their research and to present their work at national and international meetings. Some funding dedicated to students from Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). *Note: This year’s program begins Monday, June 5, 2023.

Requirements:

  • Current sophomore or junior standing, or non-graduating seniors
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Great attitude and willingness to learn SCUBA diving

To learn more information please see program website.  To request The Diversity Project application, please contact Program Director, Dr. Paul Barber (paulbarber@ucla.edu).

HBCU: Evolutionary Medicine – Pathways to PhDs

Application Deadline: TBD

The HBCU: Evolutionary Medicine-Pathways to PhDs program is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors from HBCUs.  Participants will work on Evolutionary Medicine topics at UCLA.  Evolutionary Medicine is the study of how evolutionary and ecological principles affect medicine and medical applications, and how medical and clinical problems generate new research questions and ideas in evolution.  Evolutionary medicine is fast emerging as an important new field in the biomedical sciences.  Representing an interdisciplinary subject that combines ecology and evolutionary biology, anthropology, psychology, zoology, systems biology and microbiology with medicine, the field of evolutionary medicine has the potential to transform the way biomedical researches and doctors examine medical questions, conduct biomedical research, and treat patience.  Summer interns will work closely with a principal investigator (PI) from UCLA’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department and a PI from the David Geffen School of Medicine.  Application requirements:

  • Undergraduate juniors and seniors from HBCUs to work on Evolutionary Medicine topics at UCLA.
  • Send all application materials to Dr. Pamela Yeh at pamelayeh@ucla.edu

Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) U*STAR Program

Application Deadline: TBD

The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) U*STAR Program is a two-year, NIH-funded, undergraduate honors program that seeks to increase the number of biomedical scientists from diverse backgrounds that significantly impact health-related research. The program specifically seeks to strengthen the skills and research training of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. This program is appropriate for students interested in pursuing a PhD or dual PhD degree upon completion of their baccalaureate degree.

The MARC Program offers research training, financial support, mentoring, networking opportunities and academic preparation for strong and motivated students. The UCLA MARC program is one of the longest-standing MARC programs at Research I universities across the nation, and graduates from the program have embarked on highly successful careers.

  • 3.2 GPA at the time of application; borderline GPAs also encouraged to apply
  • Junior or senior standing (completed 90 or more units) by the time that the student will begin as a MARC trainee, AND have two years remaining at UCLA at the start of the program
  • Citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • 10 weeks

To learn more about eligibility, program requirements, and scholarship/funding please refer to the MARC website. Additionally, the online application and other details about the application process will be hosted on the MARC website. For any additional questions, please contact Larone Ellison (larone@ucla.edu).

Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Writing and Research Training Program

Application deadline: TBD

The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Writing and Research Training Program at UCLA is an intensive writing and research program for 20 current Mellon Mays Fellows from participating Mellon Mays colleges and universities. Fellows participate in a rigorous scholarly writing and research methodology course, individual and group mentoring sessions, workshops, events, and a final research colloquium. The program also includes on-campus housing and a meal allowance.

  • Applicants must be current Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellows at their colleges or universities
  • For rising juniors (first-year MMUF students) or seniors (second-year MMUF students)
  • 6 weeks
  • Please note that students will NOT be paired directly with a faculty mentor but will take an intensive writing and research course.  Students will NOT take a GRE preparation course as part of the program.
  • Admission to the program is rolling; applicants are advised to apply early due to limited space.  Applications will be considered after the deadline only if space is available.
  • A complete application includes the submission of the online application form, as well as a brief research statement, a description of summer research goals, and a statement from the student’s MMUF coordinator. See the program website for full details of supplementary application materials.
  • To learn more about this program, please visit the program website or contact the Undergraduate Research Center– Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at urhass@college.ucla.edu.

Summer Nursing Program: School of Nursing

Application Deadline: Friday, March 24, 2023

This program is open to qualified nursing students from any undergraduate institution in the United States currently holding junior status, getting ready to enter the senior year. Preference will be given to first-generation college students.

This program offers junior nursing undergraduates with outstanding academic potential the opportunity to work on research projects with nursing faculty mentors. The eight-week program is designed for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. Degree and enter academic careers in nursing. Included in the eight weeks will be a formal and informal discussions on career options, GRE preparation, and other activities. Each student participant will be assigned to a faculty mentor matched as closely as possible to the student’s research interests and career goals. Participants will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research project or, with approval of faculty, work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual interest. Research areas are Biobehavioral Sciences, Biologic Sciences, Health Disparities/Vulnerable Populations, and Health Services Research.

  • Research areas: Biobehavioral Sciences, Biologic Sciences, Health Disparities/Vulnerable Populations and Health Services Research.
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • For qualified nursing students currently holding undergraduate junior status.
  • Preference is given to first-generation college students and applicants who are attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), Tribal Colleges and Universities Programs (TCUP).
  • Cumulative, minimum GPA of 2.80.
  • 8 weeks.
  • Scholars will be asked to update information on their educational and career activities for a period of up to three years after the completion of the program. This tracking is done solely to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. It is critical that we conduct this long-term evaluation in order to maintain continued funding for the program. The information collected remains strictly confidential.

For additional information, please contact Mark Covin (mcovin@sonnet.ucla.edu) & Jeimy Gama (jgama@sonnet.ucla.edu).

Summer Training for Excellence in Education Research (STEER)

Application Deadline:  TBD

The Summer Training for Excellence in Education Research (STEER) program has been a successful staple of the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies (GSE&IS) at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Through participation in the program, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students and faculty, and GSE&IS faculty share in a research apprenticeship experience that has contributed to STEER students’ admittance to some of our nation’s finest graduate programs including the UC system. In the proposed effort, our aims are to continue to: (1) Develop relationships between the UCs and HBCUs, (2) Prepare students for UC graduate application, and (3) Prepare and mentor a cohort of tremendously talented students to conduct educational research in competitive UC programs and beyond.

All applicants must refer to the STEER website for the most up-to-date information regarding the application process.  Additionally, the online application and other details about the application process will be hosted on the STEER website.

  • Eligibility is extended to upperclassmen and recent undergraduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • Open to all disciplines, however training will be in Education research.  Applicants are expected to be seriously interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Education.
  • Major GPA of 3.0

For additional information, see STEER program website or contact the Program Coordinator, Brande M.Otis, at steer.ucla@gmail.com.  The Program Co-Directors are Dr. Robert Cooper and Dr. Kimberley Gomez.

University of California Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS) 2nd Summer

Application Deadline: Friday, March 31, 2023

This program is restricted to current University of California undergraduate students in the UC system-wide UC LEADS Program. In line with the goals of the two-year program, the 2nd summer research program seeks to develop the students by providing research and educational experiences to further prepare them to assume positions of leadership in academia, industry, government and public service. UC LEADS students who are considering UCLA for graduate studies/PhD should seriously consider applying to UCLA’s summer program as a way to familiarize themselves with the campus and to network with potential mentors. The UCLA UC LEADS Summer Program includes: GRE test preparation, workshops and seminars, and the opportunity to present summer research findings at the end of summer symposium/poster session.

  • Academic Level: Open to 2nd-Summer UC LEADS students (those from other UC campuses who have completed their first year in the program).
  • Open to Depts/Disciplines: Open to all departments and disciplines in Science, Engineering & Math.
  • 10 weeks
  • It is the UC LEADS scholar’s responsibility to secure a commitment from the UCLA faculty host
    BEFORE applying to the program. Questions about the process should be addressed to the student’s UC CAMPUS UC LEADS Coordinator.
  • UC LEADS Scholars complete only the UCLA SPUR online application after they have summer placement confirmation from the UCLA UC LEADS Coordinator. Scholars do NOT need to submit supplemental materials with their applications.

UCLA-HSI Superior Opportunities for Maximizing Access to Neuroscience (SOMA)

Application Deadline: December 14*

*Applications are due by December 14, 2022, with decisions announced by January 14, 2023. If you need an extension, contact Dr. Alicia Izquierdo (aizquie@mednet.ucla.edu) or Larone Ellison (larone@lifesci.ucla.edu).

The SOMA-Neuroscience program supports a deeper Hispanic/LatinX participation in neuroscience, and ultimately the pursuit of a neuroscience doctoral degree. Each summer, we will select and invite a small group of interested students (3-7 students annually) from our partner Hispanic-Serving Institutions, or HSIs, for an 8-week summer immersive, in-person experience at UCLA to do research in a host laboratory. Open to undergraduate students.

The requirements for acceptance into the program include:

  • Must be student at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) institution.
  • A major in one of the natural sciences, including Psychology
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Academic transcript
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation from science faculty
  • Summary of prior research, if any (500 words or less)
  • Summary of interest in neuroscience (1000 words or less)

To learn more about this program please visit the website or contact the program director, Dr. Alicia Izquierdo (aizquie@psych.ucla.edu) and Larone Ellison (larone@lifesci.ucla.edu).

UCLA-HBCU Neuroscience Pathways Program

Application Deadline: December 14*

*If you will have a delay with any supplemental application material, contact Dr. Ketema Paul (ketema.paul@ucla.edu) or Larone Ellison (larone@mednet.ucla.edu).

The UCLA-HBCU Neuroscience Pathways program is open to undergraduate students that attend historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. The goals of this program are: 1) to increase the impact on students and faculty at both HBCU partner institutions and UCLA and, 2) to incentivize quality mentorship of the interns in our UCLA host labs. We will engage in active research and teaching partnerships that accompany students before and beyond the 8-week internship at UCLA.

A group of interested students, selected jointly by the HBCU partner institutions and UCLA will be invited to spend 8 weeks at UCLA doing research in an appropriate host laboratory. Ideally, the research at UCLA will be commensurate with the experience at the HBCU partner institution. We will engage in active research and teaching partnerships that accompany students before and beyond the 8-week internship at UCLA of mentorship in the lab. Interns will be mentored and trained by the faculty members who run the respective labs. Additionally, we will host one “chaperone” HBCU faculty member per year to accompany the student for the first week of the internship- which is intended to foster both scientific collaboration and quality mentoring. To incentivize graduate studies at UCLA for HBCU interns, the BRI will offer a full 5-year stipend annually for at least one student, annually, who applies for and is accepted by the NSIDP. Furthermore, we will conduct outcome studies and publish them in a peer-reviewed journal, similar to other BRI outreach efforts. In short, we will take an innovative and holistic approach by providing not only a summer opportunity but by following the student before and after through online tools.

  • 8-week program
  • Applicants must submit the following: 1) UCLA SPUR Online application form, 2) letters of intent
  • Letters of Intent due by December 14, 2022. Please send to Larone Ellison (Larone@lifesci.ucla.edu).
  • If you will have a delay with any supplemental application material, contact Dr. Ketema Paul or Larone Ellison and inform them of the delay.
  • To learn more about this program, please contact Dr. Ketema Paul (ketema.paul@ucla.edu) or Larone Ellison (Larone@lifesci.ucla.edu).

UCLA Neuroscience Scholars Program (NeuroScholars)

Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 1, 2023

The UCLA Neuroscience Scholars program is a 10-week intensive summer research training experience for exceptional UCLA sophomore and junior undergraduates that are committed to pursuing a graduate degree in neuroscience. Neuroscience Scholars will be paired with a UCLA faculty mentor based on their research interests. Students will conduct discovery research in the laboratories of their faculty mentors. The program also includes: on-campus housing, $5000 stipend, journal clubs, lunches with faculty, career development workshops, seminars, and poster presentations.

  • For sophomore and junior undergraduates in Neuroscience, Physiological Sciences, Psychobiology and other neurobiology-related fields.
  • Must have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.2 or above
  • Must be interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
  • Must be able to devote full-time effort over the entire duration of the 10 week program
  • Previous research experience is preferred
  • Applicants must submit must submit 1) UCLA SPUR online application, 2) personal statement summarizing your neuroscience research interests (limit 1000 words), 3) list of 3-5 neuroscience faculty mentors that you would like to work with, 3) summary of prior research, if any (limit 1000 words), 4) two letters of recommendation from science faculty, 5) resume/CV, 6) academic transcript

To learn more about this program, please contact Program Directors Dr. Jeff Donlea & Dr. Elaine Hsiao; NeuroScholars@ucla.edu

UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program

Application deadline: TBD

The UCLA Public Health Scholars Training Program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to explore the field of public health through hands-on training, structured workshops, group excursions, and leadership and professional development. Located in Los Angeles, the program offers scholars the opportunity to train at UCLA, to explore public health in one of the most diverse counties in the US, and to experience the city’s vibrant culture. We work with community-based organizations, health systems, and government agencies to offer field placement opportunities for scholars that focus on health equity.

  • Interest in exploring a career in the field of public health
  • Open to all majors/disciplines
  • By the start of the program, be enrolled in a four-year institution (community college transfers eligible) and have completed at least two years of undergraduate education
    OR graduated Spring term 2019 or after and have not officially enrolled in a graduate program.
  • Ability to be present in LA and participate in program activities from June 21 – August 14, 2020
  • Willingness to attend social and volunteer events on evenings and occasional weekends
  • Willingness to stay engaged with program for alumni tracking, professional development opportunities, maintaining contact with cohort, and participate in recruitment for the 2021 cohort
  • Successful submission of all application materials
  • There is no GPA requirement
  • For questions, please contact phscholars@ph.ucla.edu

Vision Science Summer Research Program

Application deadline: TBD

This research experience is a full-time, 8-week immersive research experience in vision science at the Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). This program is designed to increase the participation of underrepresented students in vision science through dedicated faculty mentorship, hands-on research training/interactive learning, and career development opportunities. The program is
open to undergraduate students that attend historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States with whom we teach collaboratively to enhance student scientific literacy.

While at UCLA, students will have the opportunity to learn and work on an original research project in laboratories with research focuses including but not limited to:

1. Developing novel therapeutic small molecules to modulate signal transduction in various eye diseases, including glaucoma, degenerative retinal disorders, and corneal diseases.

2. Understanding corneal epithelial stem cell regulation to improve the ex vivo cultivation of limbal stem cells for clinical treatment of patients with corneal diseases and limbal stem cell deficiency.

Students learn how to be a scientist in weekly lab meetings and will have the opportunity to present their findings at a UCLA scientific poster session as well as at their home institution. Additionally, students will engage in social activities and career development workshops with other summer research students on UCLA campus, thereby expanding their science community and faculty/peer network.

  • Rising Junior or Senior.
  • Express an intention to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. (or other professional joint degree) in a bioscience field.
  • Should not admitted or enrolled in a graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) at the time the program
    begins.
  • Minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0. preferred

To learn more about this program and how to apply, please contact program directors, Dr. Jie Zheng (jzheng@jsei.ucla.edu) and Dr. JoAnn S. Roberts (jsroberts@ceils.ucla.edu).

 

For Further Information Contact

Please contact the Program Director of the individual summer program. Contact information for each of the SPUR programs can be found in the program description.

You may also contact the Diversity, Inclusion, and Admissions office at askgrad@grad.ucla.edu.  You may also find program information in the
UCLA Summer Programs for Undergraduate and Graduate Research Booklet.

How To Apply

You must submit an Online Application & Support Materials. Please make sure you submit a complete application by sending all pertinent supporting materials via mail or private carrier.

Additional Opportunities

Other Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research at UCLA.