Program Purpose
The UCLA Summer Programs for Graduate Research (SPGR) offer students who are entering
or who plan to enter a doctoral program an outstanding academic opportunity to work closely
with faculty mentors on research projects. The programs are designed for students who wish
to pursue an academic career in teaching and research.
As a condition of acceptance into all SPGR programs, program participants will be asked
after their departure to update information on their educational and career activities. This
tracking is done solely to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. It is critical that we
be able to conduct this long-term evaluation in order to maintain continuing funding for the
programs. The information collected remains strictly confidential.
Program Dates
- Developing an Interface for Science and Ethics
June 22-Aug 2, 2008
- Master the Doctorate
June 22-Aug 16, 2008
- Competitive Edge
August 4-September 12, 2008
Participating Programs
- Developing an Interface for Science and Ethics (DISE)
UCLA DISE is a project created with the recognition that science is becoming
an increasingly interdisciplinary field. Unique collaborations across disciplines
are blending traditional and non-traditional approaches and applying them to solve
real problems. These innovative and cross-disciplinary actions are proving to be
of great benefit to scientific progress. With this in mind, DISE aims to prepare
the next generation of scientists and researchers by providing an academic and
hands-on experience in the fields of ethics and public policy to students who are
in pursuit of graduate level degrees and careers in research.
The 6-week program (June 22-August 2, 2008) includes on-campus housing (all
program participants are required to reside in assigned University housing) and
meals. A limited number of travel scholarships are available.
- For students who will be in their first year of a doctoral program
in 2008-2009. Open to both UCLA and non-UCLA incoming doctoral students.
- Applicants must currently be in their senior year of undergraduate studies
or their last year of a master’s degree program.
- Applicants must have applied for admission into a doctoral-degree granting
program in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at any
accredited university.
- Students are only accepted into the DISE program once they receive admission
into a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) doctoral
degree-granting program at an accredited university and have submitted their
intent-to-enroll.
- Students from all backgrounds are eligible, but women and those students that
are underrepresented in STEM doctoral fields and in accordance with the NSF
(African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native
Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders) are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Students must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
- Master The Doctorate (MTD)
The UCLA Master The Doctorate (MTD) program offers master’s students with outstanding
academic potential the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors on research
projects. The program is designed for master’s students who wish to pursue a doctoral
degree and an academic career in teaching and research. Opportunities are available
to students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and social,
economic, and behavioral (SBE) academic fields.
Each student participant will work with a faculty mentor with special expertise
and interests matched, as closely as possible, to the student's research interests and
career goals. Students will either assist the faculty member in an ongoing research
project or work collaboratively with the mentor in designing a new project of mutual
interest.
A directory of UCLA faculty research interests
is available online should you wish to suggest a faculty member with whom to work. Note
that this would only be a suggestion.
The program features:
- regular seminars on academic career opportunities
- writing and research skills
- strategies for enhancing success in applying to doctoral programs
- graduate school funding opportunities
- opportunities for informal discussion with UCLA graduate students
- cultural and educational activities
The 8-week program (June 22-August 16, 2008) includes travel reimbursement,
on-campus housing (all program participants are required to reside in assigned
University housing) and meals.
- Open to both UCLA and non-UCLA students. Applicants must be in an
accredited master’s degree program.
- Individuals whose backgrounds are underrepresented in STEM and SBE
doctoral programs and in accordance with the NSF (i.e., African Americans,
Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians or other
Pacific Islanders).
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Strong interest in pursuing a university and/or research career.
- Competitive Edge
The Competitive Edge program is funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Alliance
for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) grant. This program is for UCLA’s
entering doctoral students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) with a strong interest in pursuing a faculty or research position.
The objective is to provide awardees with research and professional development
experiences to enhance their success in UCLA STEM doctoral programs. Competitive Edge
is ten weeks of full-time, faculty-guided research and mentoring, as well as academic
and professional workshops.
- Individuals whose backgrounds are underrepresented in STEM doctoral programs
and in accordance with the NSF (i.e., African Americans, Hispanics, American
Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders)
- For students who will be in their first year of a STEM doctoral program
at UCLA during the 2008-2009 academic year.
- Accepted admission to a UCLA STEM doctoral program.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
- Strong interest in pursuing a university and/or research career
Deadline
The deadline for DISE is June 1, 2008. If you are interested in applying, please
contact Dr. Heather Tarleton directly.
The deadline has passed for the Summer 2008 MTD and Competitive Edge programs.
For Further Information Contact
Please contact Dr. Heather P. Tarleton, NSF AGEP, DIGSSS, & DISE Program Director at
htarleton@gdnet.ucla.edu
or (310) 825-3829.
How To Apply
For the DISE and MTD programs you must submit the Online Summer Program
for Undergraduate & Graduate Research Application. Please select the UCLA DISE and/or UCLA MTD option
on the application and in your personal statement make sure that you write about why you want to
participate in the program, your research interests, and how participation will impact your academic career.
Please view UCLA Competitive Edge program for application instructions.
