Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences

VT-PREP ( Post Baccalaureate Research and Education Program)

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Mission

To provide individualized mentoring, coursework, the development of strong laboratory research skills, and a supportive learning environment to postbaccalaureate students from historically underrepresented groups interested in pursuing a Ph.D. and a research career in biomedical and behavioral sciences and engineering.  

   

Description

The VT-PREP is supported by the NIH through the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).This program is a 12-month mentored research experiential work and educational program. 75% of each scholar's time will be in a mentored research program while the other 25% of the time will be in enrichment programs like VT undergraduate and/or graduate course work. We provide academic seminars off-site and technical workshops to gain additional laboratory skills, Graduate school preparation and survival as well as a GRE preparation program. Eighty percent of our PREP scholars go on to graduate school.

Please read the 2010 PREP Handbook (PDF | 38KB) for further program description

   

Program's Goals

• Identify and train the next generation of research leaders and innovators in biomedical and behavioral sciences that are interested in pursuing a Ph.D.
• To impart early exposure and rigorous academic preparation for under-represented students in biomedical and behavioral sciences
• To help define career goals and research interests, while developing professional skills essential to succeeding in graduate school as well as achieve research carrier goals
• To prepare students to enter graduate programs through sustained academic support, career development activities and research opportunities

Benefits

• $21,000 annual stipend plus benefits as a Research Specialist
• Tuition Scholarship
• Travel support to attend and/or to present at a scientific meeting; potential for travel money to attend a workshop for training in the degree field.
• Increased competence and experience in the scientific field of interest
• Social and academic diversity that facilitates success