The Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity Program, IMSD, (formerly known as MBRS) provides undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to receive an in-depth experience in the academic and experimental aspects of biological research. Funded through the National Institute of Health, the undergraduate IMSD program consists of a summer research institute during the summer and laboratory research projects during the academic year. Graduate students receive Graduate Student Research (GSR) support and laboratory supply allotments.

During the academic year, after successfully completing the summer program, students conduct research in UCSC’s chemistry and biology laboratories where they participate in new or on-going research. Course credit can be arranged by approval of faculty. Students are encouraged to attend national student conferences to present their findings.

The program provides an hourly-based salary, research supply allowance, paid travel to conferences, a GRE prep course, paid travel to graduate schools, placement in a research lab, program support for graduate school applications, led study group sessions, finals study parties, and tutoring.

Each new cohort is picked annually. Applications for the following summer are due Feb. 15th each year. Undergraduate students who apply for the IMSD program will simultaneously apply for the CAMP and MARC programs.

Faculty Director: Prof. Barry Bowman
Program Director: Malika Bell

Program home page: http://marcmbrs.ucsc.edu