The MARC U*STAR is a training program meant to assist students committed to attending graduate school and to obtaining their Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. to successfully achieve their goals. As part of the program, MARC trainees receive a monthly stipend of $913 as well as receiving financial assistance toward their tuition. In return for this significant financial commitment by the program, it is EXPECTED that by submitting this application you are EARNEST in your desire to attend graduate school and obtain your Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. The long-term success of this program at St. Mary’s and the ability to offer future students the same opportunity is directly linked to MARC trainees entering graduate school AND completing their degree program and obtaining their Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.

This training program is a year-round commitment by the MARC trainee. During the academic year, MARC trainees will be required to register for a specific set of courses depending upon the major which will include specially designed courses for trainees. MARC trainees will also be required to commit at least 10 hours per week to a research project with a faculty mentor from St. Mary's and/or from the UTHSCSA. For approximately 10 weeks during the summer, MARC trainees will be expected to travel to an in-state or out-of-state research institution and work full-time on a research project. Additionally, MARC trainees will attend at least one national and/or international conference to present their research findings.

In order to be eligible for the MARC U*STAR biomedical research training program, you must:

1. be a U.S. citizen,
2. be majoring in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, engineering science, or physics (biophysics concentration),
3. be classified as a senior (graduation date of May 2010) or a junior (graduation date of 2011)
4. have at least a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 3.0,
5. be genuinely interested in attending graduate school and obtaining a Ph.D. upon completion of your degree from St. Mary's University, and
6. complete the following application and submit it to Dr. Raabe (Garni 110).

Download the application here.

The application process is simple; complete parts 1 (General Information) & 2 (Personal Statement), obtain an official transcript from the Registrar’s office, and give part 3 (Recommendation Form) to at least 2 science/math/engineering faculty members who are familiar with your plans to attend graduate school to complete. The completed application including at least 2 recommendation forms must be submitted to Dr. Raabe (Garni 110) no later than 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2009.

If you have any problems or questions, please contact Dr. Raabe.