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The Graduate School

IMSD Undergraduate Program

The Intensive Research and Training Program (IRTP/IMSD) is an opportunity for NC State students (primarily freshman and sophomores) to work with a trained faculty researcher at NC State 10 to 15 hours per week throughout each academic year and summer of their undergraduate studies, through their senior year. While working in the research labs, students will earn an hourly wage.

During the intervening summers, Scholars will engage in mentored summer research experiences. Scholars will conduct research under the direction of a faculty mentor for 40 hours per week and attend weekly professional development seminars. Scholars will receive up to $5600 to compensate for their work.

IMSD Scholars will also be encouraged to find summer research opportunities at other institutions as well, especially during the junior and senior years when students are starting to identify graduate programs that are the best fit for them.

Professional Development

IMSD Scholars will participate in a number of required professional development seminars and courses organized by First Year College. During the seminars, scholars and other interested students will learn more about biomedical and behavioral science research as a career path. Students will also be encouraged to attend seminars organized by the Graduate School that focus more generally on graduate school preparation: “Financing Graduate Education”, “Making Yourself Competitive For Graduate School”, “How to Make an Effective Research Presentation”, “How to Complete a Graduate School Application”, and “How to be Successful in Graduate School”.

Presentation Skills Development and Practice

IMSD Scholars will have the opportunity to attend and present conferences at state, local and national conferences. Scholars will be required to participate in and make an oral or poster presentation at NC OPT-ED Alliance Day. During the summer, IMSD participants will present their research projects at the NC State “Undergraduate Summer Research Program Symposium.”

Eligibility Requirements

Application Deadline:  N/A (Not currently accepting applications)

Students may self-refer or be recommended by faculty, high school teachers, First Year College (FYC) staff or others with knowledge of the student’s ability and interest.

To be eligible, undergraduate applicants must:

  1. Be freshman or sophomores (juniors on a case by case basis) enrolled full-time at NC State in FYC, or in a college with a major in biomedical or behavioral science or in a college with undeclared major;
  2. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
  3. Be strongly interested in pursuing a PhD in the biomedical or behavioral sciences;
  4. Have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA (Exceptions on case by case basis); Or
  5. Have at least a 3.5 GPA if student is a graduating high school senior

To apply, students will need:

  • A completed Online Application
  • Supplemental documents
    • Two letters of reference from professors or high school teachers
    • Transcripts of grades
    • Statement of purpose or Letter of Intent (included in online application)

Please send all supporting documents to Erin Banks, Ph.D, IMSD Director, at erbanks@ncsu.edu, by fax at 919.515.2873 or by mail at 1000 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, NC 27695.