Education & Training - Summer Research Programs

Initiative for Maximizing Student Development

Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine

LLU NIH Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)

The NIH-LLU Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) is an NIH funded educational graduate training program supported by an R25 educational training award to Loma Linda University from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). This NIH award has been instrumental in establishing a comprehensive research-training program within the basic science departments of LLU School of Medicine. The goal of the program is to strengthen graduate education by increasing diversity among students graduating with a PhD degree in a biomedical/behavioral discipline at LLU.

The IMSD program has supported many qualified PhD graduate students at LLU since its foundation in 2001. The program provides full support (tuition and stipend) for PhD and MD/PhD students enrolled in the graduate program in biomedical sciences at LLU. IMSD fellows participate in selected enrichment activities that complement and enhance their graduate experience.

Additional Information for the IMSD Program

+ Requirements

A minimum GPA of 3.0
Officially accepted in the PhD program at LLU
Supportive letters of recommendation
Evidence of volunteer work and community outreach
U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals or permanent residents
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and diversity in education

Support through the IMSD program and participation in its various activities is open to all qualified PhD students. An important goal of the IMSD program is to increase the participation of individuals currently underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences such as: individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from socially, culturally, economically, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds that inhibit their ability to pursue a career in health-related research.

+ Application Process

Interested students should apply concurrently to the IMSD program and to the School of Medicine's Integrated Biomedical Graduate Studies (IBGS) PhD program. The IMSD program will accept qualified students once they are admitted into the IBGS PhD program.

To apply to the PhD program please go to either the Basic Science Graduate Studies page or the contact page for the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

To apply to the IMSD program please submit your complete application to the Office of Student Development at the LLU Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine.

Students contemplating applying to the LLU School of Medicine MD/PHD combined program, please see additional information about the MD/PhD track.
- IMSD student fellows participate in the Summer Research Program:
  June 17 to August 9, 2013
- IMSD student fellows are required to participate in the CHDMM Symposium:
  Wednesday, August 7, 2013

CENTER FOR HEALTH DISPARITIES & MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine

LLU NIH Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)

Additional Information for the IMSD Program

April 1, 2013