BLaST scholarship applications due Feb. 11

December 15, 2017

University Relations

Applications for 2018-2019 BLaST research scholarships (new and renewing) are now being accepted. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. Awardees will be notified in early April. The overarching goal of BLaST is to enhance undergraduate training and mentoring in biomedical research through increased diversity of students, increased integration of research and teaching, and enhanced integration of rural campuses into a cohesive biomedical community in Alaska. Approximately 30 scholarships will be funded through this solicitation.

Current and prospective UAF undergraduate students, from all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds are invited to apply. To be eligible for a BLaST scholarship, students must:

• have an interest in biomedical or One Health research;


• be considering a career in healthcare, biomedicine or research in life or social sciences;


• have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher;


• enroll for 12 or more credits at UAF each semester of the 2018-2019 academic year;


• be a US citizen, U.S. non-citizen national or permanent resident;


• be enrolled in an academic degree program in a biomedical field at UAF in Fairbanks, Alaska.

BLaST scholarships cover tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters (and summer session if the awardee is eligible and choses to enroll in summer) and receive a monthly stipend. Freshmen and sophomores will receive $749 a month, and juniors and seniors will receive $1,049 a month.

For renewing and new applications, and to download the PDF versions to prepare your essay answers prior to submitting the online application, please visit http://alaska.edu/blast/blast-scholarship-applica/. An ad hoc BLaST committee will review the applications.

BLaST new research scholar evaluation criteria: academic experience, research interests, diversity statement, motivation and programmatic fit

BLaST renewal research scholar evaluation criteria: academic experience, research interests, motivation and programmatic fit

BLaST scholars are required to actively participate in the BLaST learning community and its events which include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Attending BLaST orientation in fall 2018;


• Active participation in research and completion of required research hours;


• Enrollment in BLaST-sponsored courses (1-2 credits each) for both semesters;


• Participation in other BLaST-sponsored activities as requested (monthly gatherings, regular meetings with BLaST mentor, trainings, etc.)


• Maintaining good academic standing: maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better, and successful completion of 12 or more credits each semester;


• Attending at least two BLaST supported trainings;


• Attending the Biomedical One Health seminars;


• Providing information about specific projects and activities as requested.

BLaST is funded by the NIH. The NIH encourages institutions to enhance the participation of individuals from groups identified as underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences, such as: 1) individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders ; 2) individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; and 3) individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, defined as (a) individuals who come from a family with an annual income below established low-income thresholds periodically published at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/index.shtml and (b) individuals who come from an educational environment such as that found in certain rural or inner-city environments that has demonstrably and directly inhibited the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career. For a complete description of the NIH’s interest in diversity see: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-15-053.html.

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment for help with your application, please contact us at blast.uaf@alaska.edu or 907-474-5111.