Since its start in 2022, the MARC Nevada program has shepherded four cohorts of students toward success in biomedical careers. Funding from the National Institutes of Health provides juniors and seniors who plan to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical or behavioral research with year-round research opportunities and a stipend, along with mentoring and professional development.
The program is soliciting applications for the next cohort. Applications are due May 1.
Below, current MARC Nevada awardees shared some of their experiences participating in the program so far.
Why did you apply for the MARC program?
I applied to MARC because I wanted to commit the majority of my time to research but couldn't afford to unless I had funding. I was especially interested in getting more involved in the world of research, as they offered so much guidance on building a strong foundation for those pursuing a PhD. – Yasmeen Quraishi
I applied to the MARC Nevada program to gain insight and mentorship into the research world. – Oscar Liu
How has participating in the MARC program impacted you as a student and as a researcher?
It has been genuinely life changing. It has instilled confidence in me that I am capable of pursuing research, it has taught me leadership, and it has allowed me to meet so many incredible students and faculty in the biomedical research field. Of course, I also cannot emphasize enough how much financial relief it has provided me and my family. If not for MARC, I would have accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. – Yasmeen Quraishi
Participating in the MARC Nevada program significantly impacted my research experience, as it helped me develop independence, patience, and resilience. Attending the required weekly seminars exposed me to the various research happening around the world. – Oscar Liu
The program has opened up lots of opportunities to travel and gain different research experiences. – Fabiola Aguirre
What does your research explore?
The current project I am involved in investigates the molecular interactions that drive quorum-sensing in Streptococcus cristatus. – Oscar Liu
The project I specifically work with is chemically recyclable polymers and their mechanical properties. – Fabiola Aguirre
What will you be doing over the summer?
This summer I will be doing stem cell research through the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine Summer Scholars Research Experiences for Undergraduates! I am extremely excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to learn about regenerative medicine, as well as explore North Carolina. – Yasmeen Quraishi
How do you hope to use the skills you learned as a MARC student in your future career?
I have learned so much in my time with MARC. I have learned to confidently give talks, write professionally, advocate for myself, apply for funding, and more. I will hope to use these skills and continue to grow so that I can become an excellent Physician-Scientist. – Yasmeen Quraishi
I hope to apply my undergraduate research experience to further advance my academic journey in pedagogy, interdisciplinary research, and graduate studies. – Oscar Liu
