EXCEED THE SPACE PROVIDED. The goal of the PCUPR MARC U*STAR Honor Program is to improve the research capabilities of qualified undergraduate science students to prepare them to compete successfully for admission to graduate programs leading to a doctorate in biomedical sciences. This goal will be achieved by expanding the research-training opportunities for undergraduate participants. The proposed MARC ITSTAR project will also provide an intensive program of student development and support activities. It will provide opportunities for freshmen and sophomores students to receive orientation regarding graduate studies in biomedical sciences. Freshmen and sophomore students will improve their academic achievement and succeed in selected toll-gate courses through tutoring and support activities such as counseling and academic advising. Through an intensive program of recruitment, student development activities and introduction to research courses the Program will increase the number of MARC LTSTAR trainees securing admission to graduate programs in biomedical sciences. All first year students with a minimum of 3.0 High School GPA will qualify for acceptance in the Pre-MARC component. Special invitations will be extended to students in the University Honors Program. The 15 best Pre-MARC freshmen or applicants with a potential to pursue graduate work in biomedical science will be promoted to sophomore Pre-MARC students. Juniors and Seniors accepted in the MARC U*STAR program will participate in a research program that includes intramural and extramural biomedical training. The Ponce School of Medicine research laboratories will be the site for their investigative research. Research Scientists from the Ponce School of Medicine will be the mentors to participants. Extramural research experience will be conducted during the summer of their Junior year at an intensive research laboratory in the United States or Puerto Rico. In addition to the requirements of their departments, curricular enrichment will be provided by honors seminars, and workshops on topics such as: The Responsible Conduct of Research, Introduction to Scientific Research, and GRE workshops. The Program will assist them with their applications for admission to summer research programs and graduate schools. Ten trainees (five juniors and five seniors) will be expected to participate in scientific meetings both locally and nationally and in a Seminar Lecture Series during the academic year. PERFORMANCE SITE ========================================Section End===========================================
| Fontanez, D E; Porter, J T (2006) Adenosine A1 receptors decrease thalamic excitation of inhibitory and excitatory neurons in the barrel cortex. Neuroscience 137:1177-84 |
