How to Apply
Application Process, Program Benefits, and Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria
The G-RISE at ODU Program is open to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The program supports underrepresented students pursuing Ph.D.s in the biomedical research and who are interested in diversity and underrepresentation in STEM. Students from the following underrepresented groups in biomedical Sciences are eligible to apply:
- Minorities (Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders)
- Persons with Disabilities.
Trainees must apply to one of the participating Ph.D. programs. The following factors will be used:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Strong commitment to earning a doctorate in a biomedical research disciplines
- Demonstrate interest in the advancement of underrepresented groups in the biomedical research
- Commitment to a career in the biomedical workforce
- An interview that manifests a passion for biomedical research career
- Demonstrated commitment to community service
All students must have at least general biology or chemistry or complete general biology or chemistry before starting summer bridge.
Students cannot hold other employment on or off campus, or other federally funded fellowhips while on a G-RISE fellowship.
Application Process
Preview Day - Fall 2023 - Zoom event
Application Deadline - December 1, 2023
- Students should submit the G-RISE Supplemental Application Form and notify Program staff of their interest and pending application.
- 2-page letter of intent - research interest, experience, and proposed research rotations
- Writing sample - technical report or publication
- 2 letters of support from faculty
Selection Review Committee Meeting - Begins January 2024
Decisions mailed - mid-March
Overview of Program Benefits
The G-RISE at ODU is a student-focus program that provides its Ph.D. students with academic, professional and career development in the field of biomedical research.
Key benefits of the G-RISE program:
- 12-month stipends starting from $25,342
- Tuition remission
- Health Insurance
- Summer Doctoral Bridge Program
- Academic and career development
- Paid Summer Co-Op or Internship
- Travel funds to national conferences
- K-12 and Community outreach opportunities
- Annual Retreat
Summer Doctoral Bridge Program
The G-RISE Scholars begin their doctoral career with a mandatory six-week summer doctoral bridge program (June - July). The goal of the bridge program is to help students make a successful transition to a doctorate degree program and strengthen scholar's foundational knowledge set and research skills, while building support networks and strong community of scholars.
K12 and Community Outreach
The G-RISE at ODU Program encourages its scholars to participate in community outreach and mentoring opportunities available throughout the year, including
- K-12 Outreach to local middle and high schools through the Hampton Roads - STEM Summer Institute (HR-SSI)
- Community building through local and international aid programs
- BiG-RiSE Program
- Panel discussions with U-RISE undergraduates
Annual Retreat
The Annual Retreat brings together new G-RISE Scholars who have completed the Summer Bridge Program with more senior G-RISE scholars with active dissertation projects. The major objective of the retreat is to build a sense of community and camaraderie among the scholars, faculty, and staff.
Key elements of the annual retreat include:
- Organized workshops and panel discussions on:
- Diversity in Biomedical Research
- Minority graduate retention challenges
- Annual review of the G-RISE program by G-RISE Scholars
- Research Presentations by G-RISE Scholars
- Excursion trips to foster teamwork and camadererie between the G-RISE staff, faculty, and students.