Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (URISE) program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is a scholarship program funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The goal of the URISE program is to increase the number of well-prepared underrepresented (UR) students who matriculate into high caliber Ph.D. or combined M.D.-Ph.D. programs in the biomedical sciences and eventually go on to research careers.

Eligibility

Students majoring in anthropology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, mathematics, physics, and psychology are eligible to apply for the URISE Alaska program in spring of their freshman year.

Selection Criteria

The URISE Program Steering Committee will select applicants to participate in the program based on the criteria below:

1. Strong commitment to matriculation into either a PhD or MD/PhD program in biomedical sciences upon completion of the Bachelor degree and strong commitment to a research career in biomedical sciences.
2. U.S. citizen, noncitizen national or permanent resident.
3. Full-time sophomore with selected major
4. Overall GPA of at least 3.3
5. Submission of two letters of recommendation

For more information contact Lori Gildehaus, lagildehaus@alaska.edu, 907-474-5788. 

Current URISE Scholars

Josie Beauchcamp

 B.S. Biological Sciences, concentration in ecology and evolutionary biology

Aggy Boldt

 B.S. Chemistry, concentration in biochemistry

Hi! My name is Aggy and I'm studying the fascinating field of chemistry at UAF! I'm focusing on biochemistry and neuroscience for my degree and am currently conducting research in these fields. I'm interested in drug discovery and the interactions between chemicals and the brain. Some of my hobbies include spending time outdoors whether it's camping, hiking, or anything in between. Aside from that, I love spending time with my dogs and going on adventures with them! 

Emily Lipscomb

 B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies

Hi! My name is Emily and I am majoring in Chemistry! I am interested in research working with parasites, microscopes, and bodily fluids. My hobbies include coaching volleyball, baking, and spending time with friends. Fun fact about me: I'm deathly allergic to carrots! :)

Kirstin Marshall

 B.S. Biological Sciences, concentration in cell and molecular biology

My research interests are in wildlife diseases, particularly prion diseases. I'm a Biological Sciences major and I plan on applying to veterinary school. I love to crochet and do pretty much anything outdoors

Kintla Penn

 B.S. Biological Sciences

I am currently majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biomedical Science. My passion is to explore the unique nutritional needs of women's health. I hope to research nutritional aspects specific to women someday, as this field has research disparities that predominantly focus on male subjects. When I'm not in school, I love reading and exploring the outdoors through skiing, mountain running, outdoor rock climbing, and backpacking.

Paradise Porter

 B.A. Social Work, B.A. Japanese Studies

I’m an out-of-state, first generation, honors undergraduate majoring in Social Work and Japanese Studies. My research interests are how pre-designated social status affects the ability to access healthcare and quality of service provided. I hold several leadership student organization positions on campus including President of the Organization of Student Social Workers and President of the Japan Alaska Club. In my free time, I like to lay around, read, and play games.

Drew Shelton

 B.S. Biological Sciences, concentration in physiology

Leila Shubair

 B.S. Biological Sciences

Meg Waite

 B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies

Razan Yousif

 B.S. Psychology