MARC U-STAR Academic-Year Program

The NIH- and University-funded MARC uSTAR program supports research-minded students who are interested in graduate studies in biological and biomedical sciences. We strongly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in biological and biomedical sciences, including students of color, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those with disabilities as defined by the NIH.

Eligibility

• NIH funds are specifically targeted for students interested in pursuing a PhD (or MD/PhD) in a biomedically relevant field (e.g., any field of biology, chemistry, BME, chemical engineering, etc.), but University funds can be used to support students interested in any career path (MD, PT, biotech/industry, etc.).
• Students must have attained junior-year standing by August 2025.
• Students must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• Students must either be in a research lab (preferred) or have identified a research mentor.

Students accepted into one of these programs will receive a minimum of $8,000 for each of the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years, assuming satisfactory progress in the program, as well as full or partial travel benefits to the Annual Biomedical Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). 

Other program benefits include workshops on personal statements and poster presentations, grad/undergrad joint dinners, and membership in a close knit supportive academic community.

• Students typically commit to a two-year program and remain at Washington University during both their junior and senior years. (If a student expects to study abroad for a semester or more, please inquire with the Program Director about eligibility).
• Students must conduct mentored research for 10 or more hours per week during the academic year. Students supported off of the NIH grant must also conduct research full-time during the summer after their junior year and ideally also the summer after their sophomore year.
• Students must attend a weekly, 1.5-hour scientific presentation course every semester.
• Students must present their research at conference, e.g., ABRCMS or the Undergraduate Research Symposium, at least once per year.

Application Components:

1. Statement of purpose. In 500 words or less, describe why you want to be in the uSTAR Academic Year program and what you anticipate gaining from the experience, including the program’s relevance to your career goals. Your statement might address how you became interested in research, your prior research experience, and your proposed research for the next two years. Upload this essay as a .pdf file, and be sure to include your name in the file name.
2. Statement of perspective. A key goal of the uSTAR Academic Year program is to cultivate a diverse, engaged, and supportive community of undergraduate researchers who enrich and challenge one another through peer feedback and mentorship. In 500 words or less, describe what unique perspective or experience you will contribute to this collaborative scientific community. Upload this essay as a .pdf file, and be sure to include your name in the file name.
3. List of publications, if applicable. These can be oral or poster presentations, including at the WashU Undergraduate Research Symposia. If none, simply say “None.”
4. PDF of unofficial transcript. Your GPA is not a final indicator of acceptance to the program; it provides a history of courses you have taken. To download your unofficial transcript: WebSTAC > Academics > Unofficial Transcript (can hit “Do Not Display” on all) > Run > Printer Friendly in upper right hand corner > CTRL+P to save as PDF. If the printed PDF includes demographics (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender), this data will be blinded by the administrative coordinator prior to application review.
5. Two recommendations from WashU faculty or advisors. These recommendations can take the form of short answer responses OR traditional letters of recommendation (recommenders can choose one approach). Your recommenders should submit their materials by March 1st using this form: https://undergradresearch.wustl.edu/marc-ustar-mentor-and-recommender-upload.