What is PREP at The University of New Mexico?
PREP@UNM is an NIH-funded post-baccalaureate education program, designed to enhance the ability of individuals in the biomedical sciences to gain entry to and succeed in nationally-recognized PhD programs and research careers. PREP is intended for individuals who have recently earned a bachelor's degree but need additional laboratory research experience or other education to improve their credentials for entering graduate school. We consider all applications, and encourage individuals from all identity groups in the sciences to apply.
Benefits
In PREP, our scholars earn an annual salary as UNM staff employees along with health and dental benefits for one year of support (more rarely two years). During this period, they work full-time in the laboratory of a faculty mentor from one of our many UNM departments, engaging in cutting-edge research. This immersive research experience positions them strongly for admission to many of the top graduate programs in the country.
To enhance scholars’ competitiveness for graduate school, PREP also supports GRE preparation classes. We also provide a training curriculum designed to make scholars prepared for the expectations and challenges of graduate school.
PREP will also cover tuition costs of classes if there are gaps in their coursework that can be filled while in the program.
Eligibility Information
- Applicants must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents.
- We encourage scholars from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, but identity status will not be used in hiring decisions. DACA qualified individuals are not eligible to apply.
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree acquired within the 36 months prior to the time of acceptance into the PREP program.
- Applicant must have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a Ph.D. and career in a biomedical research field and carrying out research that will help to improve knowledge of human health.
- Importantly, applicants must have a tangible need to complete an additional year of training before applying to graduate school. This might arise (for example) from the applicant having little or no research laboratory experience, or from an applicant wishing to pursue a degree in a field distinctive from that in which they received their bachelor’s training, etc.
- Applicants must be willing to participate in a group training program that is designed to enhance their research education and academic and career development.
- Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (out of 4.0).
