URI MARC U*STAR Program

The University of Rhode Island (URI) Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U*STAR) program is a research and professional development program supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Biomedical Sciences for undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. The main goal of the program is to enhance the pool of underrepresented students earning baccalaureate and Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degrees in biomedical research fields and ultimately to contribute to the diversification of the nation’s scientific workforce. Our vision for the URI MARC U*STAR program is to create a robust and inclusive undergraduate biomedical research environment at URI, epitomized by equal opportunity and equal outcome. The program mission is to develop a cadre of underrepresented students who emerge into critically-minded, discerning scientists, who are strong in fundamental research knowledge and practice, and are leaders and exemplars to their peers. Our approach will help to broaden the participation of all students – particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds – in the research enterprise by enhancing a culture of equitable and inclusive undergraduate research training.