Q. What is the deadline for applying?
A. December 1.

Q. Who is eligible for the G-RISE program?
A. The G-RISE program is open to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are from underrepresented groups in biomedical Sciences: (A) Minorities (Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders) and (B) Persons with Disabilities. In addition, students must be interested in obtaining a Ph.D. in the biomedical research related field, have a GPA of at least 3.0, meet all departmental requirements, and demonstrate an interest in the advancement of underrepresented minorities in the sciences.

Q. Are all women eligible for G-RISE?
A. Yes, women from the following underrepresented groups (A or B) are eligible.

Q. Can individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds apply.
A. Yes, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds from underrepresented groups (A or B) are eligible to apply.

Q. For a diversity supplement, what documentation of racial, ethnic, disability, or disadvantaged status is required?
A. Racial and Ethnic Minorities: The candidate must voluntarily self-identify as a member of a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in health-related sciences. Individuals with Disabilities: The candidate must self-identify as an individual with a disability, defined as a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.

Q. Can I apply if I have a B.S. degree in a STEM field?
A. Yes, we encourage students with B.S. or the M.S. degrees in STEM to apply to any of our biomedical related doctoral programs.

Q. Can I apply if I am already in a doctoral program at ODU?
A. Yes, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Priority will be given to new students to the Ph.D. program.

Q. Are both courses the scholars wll be taking in the Summer Bridge in Biology?
A. Yes, both courses the scholars take are in Biology.

Q. Do I need to have Biology courses prior to the G-RISE Program?
A. Yes, we require that you take both general biology and general chemistry prior to starting the program at your own expense.

Q. Is psychology excluded from the list of eligible graduate programs for students to apply to G-RISE?
A. Developmental psychology is not excluded from the list of eligible graduate programs. However, clinical psychology is not appropriate for the G-RISE program.

Q. Is a mimium GPA required during the Ph.D. program?
A. All G-RISE scholars are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.0.

Q. Can I participate in the G-RISE training program if I am not a G-RISE Scholar?
A. Yes, you may apply to become an "affiliate" G-RISE Scholar. This will enable you to participate in all the G-RISE activities. There is no financial support provided by the affiliate program.

Q. Does G-RISE cover fees associated with tuition?
A. No, the G-RISE program does not cover fees associated with tuition.

Q. Does the faculty mentor receive financial compensation for mentoring a G-RISE Scholar?
A. G-RISE Research mentors do not receive financial compensation for mentoring a student.

Q. Does G-RISE cover cost for research supplies or equipment?
A. G-RISE does not cover research supply cost for students. Research mentors must provide trainees with equipment, supplies, and consumables necessary to successfully complete the Ph.D. research.

Q. How many scholars does G-RISE support each year?
A. G-RISE supports 4, 7, 10, 10, 10.

Q. How long does the program support students?
A. The program supports students for the entire duration of the Ph.D. program. G-RISE fellowship will cover anywhere from 1 to 3 years of study (stipend, health insurance and tuition remission). The following years students are supported with financial assistance in the form of RAs or TAs by research mentor, the department/program, or pre-doctoral fellowship that students are encouraged to apply for.

Q. What happens if I receive another ODU, Federal, or Private Fellowship?
A. If you accept a different fellowship, you will still able to participate in the G-RISE Program. However, your benefits, salary, health insurance, and tuition remission will be paid by the fellowship that you decide to keep. You cannot keep both fellowships.

Q. How does the process of acceptance coincide with departments and G-RISE?
A. Preview Day - Fall 2021 (August/ September) - 2-day weekend event; Application due - December 1; Selection Saturday (Last Saturday of February - on campus interview). Decisions Letters - early March; Stipend - $25,320. Fellowships are awarded upon acceptance into one of our biomedical research Ph.D. programs.

Q. Are there specific dates for the 6-week bridge?
A. Yes, there is one specific date range for the 6-week bridge that the cohort will be on campus during the summer.

Q. When can I start internships in the biomedical workforce?
A. You will be able to complete this in year two of the program. The first year you will be introduced to the companies.

Q. Can a GPD (Graduate Program Director) recommend a non-internal student to apply for the G-RISE Program if they meet criteria?
A. Yes, absolutely. Please recommend any students that meet criteria for the program.

Q. Since there are extremely limited spots in the program and a broad student base, is there an option for partial funding?
A. NIH does not allow partial funding, but it may be something to consider from the Institution in subsequent years.

Q. Does G-RISE cover any conferences or travel for the students?
A. Yes, funds are provided for students to attend conferences to present their research findings. Students are also encouraged to compete for ODU travel awards to offset the trip expenses.

Q. Who should I contact with questions about the G-RISE Program before accepting the fellowship?
A. Feel free to contact the Director of the Program, Dr. Gymama Slaughter at gslaught@odu.edu or the Program Manager at hkearse@odu.ed or 757-683-5873.