MARC Scholar

About

GO FURTHER
A Program for Leadership in Biomedical Sciences

MARC gives underrepresented undergraduates majoring in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Psychology, or Physics who want to pursue careers in biomedical or medically relevant physics or behavioral research the intensive preparation needed for success in PhD or MD/PhD programs.

Program Overview

MARC Student Presenting Research

MARC (Getting Started):

The cohort of new MARC scholars are matched with a research mentor in their chosen fields. All scholars will participate in the Summer Orientation/Workshop Series. The participants attend full-time (Monday – Friday) from June to August. During this period, the scholars’ orientation will provide guidance for the initiation of lab work and instruction in the responsible conduct of the research. It will also include a variety of seminars related to skills for academic and professional success and tips for an effective research experience.

MARC scholar research:

MARC scholars will conduct research in the lab of their MARC Hunter College faculty mentor. For the first summer, new MARC scholars will split their full days during the week participating in orientation seminars as well as working in their respective research lab. During the academic year, the scholars will devote 15 – 20 hours per week to research in their mentor’s lab. The research skills gained will help the scholar prepare applications for external summer research programs. After the conclusion of the external summer research, the MARC scholars will return to their Hunter College mentor’s research lab for the new academic year. A MARC scholar’s work can lead to the contribution of important data for a research project, which may result in earning a co-authorship on scientific publications.

Program Course Science 200-001 / taken every fall & spring semester for the first two years in MARC:

Intro to Biomedical Research: This one-credit course is exclusively for MARC scholars’ training. The MARC program directors and invited guests will speak with the scholars on a range of topics including:

  • Career / Professional Development:
    • Scientific research projects in multiple fields
    • Summer and PhD program offerings
    • Experiences on the research path at multiple levels
    • Future career opportunities in science
  • Skills Development:
    • Formal and informal scientific communication through discussions, scientific/abstract writing, poster preparations; and research presentations
    • Cognizance of the origin and evolution of one’s own scientific interests and their relation to current active fields of scientific research
    • Cultivation of resilience and perseverance through challenges
    • Preparation for graduate-school application: selecting graduate programs, personal statement, networking, and interviewing skills

MARC scholar’s conference opportunity (ABRCMS & SACNAS): These national scientific conferences offer the MARC scholars an opportunity to present their research, hear the latest biomedical research findings by prominent scientists, interact with students from across the country, and network with graduate recruiters. Selected MARC students each year will get to attend one of these conferences sponsored by the MARC program.

Program Commitment

MARC Student Researcher

Scholar’s Commitment while in MARC:

  • Participate in MARC until receiving the bachelor’s degree (no more than 3 years)
  • Maintain full-time matriculated status (12 credits or more) at Hunter in an undergraduate science degree program each semester
  • Maintain at least a 3.00 GPA each semester
  • Spend 15-20 hours per week conducting research at one of Hunter’s labs throughout the academic year
  • Attend at least one summer external internship program (typically 10 weeks)
  • Attend national and local conferences to present research
  • Complete Responsible Conduct of Research Training*
  • Register for the Science 200-001 course in each of your first four semesters in MARC
  • Attend activities specifically designed to broaden students’ knowledge base and preparedness for graduate school
  • Participate in a MARC student service activity to enhance student’s professional skills
  • Apply to PhD track or MD/PhD programs in Senior Year

*Responsible Conduct of Research Training: As an undergraduate student involved in research-related activities, a MARC scholar is trained in the responsible conduct of research. This involves both online and in-person instruction. This training is mandatory per National Institutes of Health guidelines.