UMass Boston

Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) at UMass Boston

IMSD is a year-round, research-intensive, skill-building mentoring program for undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in the biomedical sciences.

Become part of our community of IMSD Scholars. Apply today!

Funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, IMSD aims to increase diversity among PhD-level researchers in biomedical fields.

The program provides:

• Year-round research opportunities in laboratories at UMass Boston and other partnering institutions
• Hourly wages for research
• Funding for research supplies
• Preparation for PhD programs and support in the application process
• Tuition coverage
• Research skills training, career development workshops, support to attend national meetings, and other opportunities
• A community of student and faculty scholars
• Close mentoring by faculty advisors
• Networking opportunities

IMSD is open to all students who:

• Are enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at UMass Boston
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or above
• Are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Aspire to pursue a PhD in fields with biomedical relevance
• Are enrolled at UMass Boston for at least the next 12 months or more.

The following are encouraged to apply:

• Individuals belonging to racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the sciences
• Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, including first-generation college students
• Individuals with disabilities

For more information, contact: 

IMSD@UMB.EDU

IMSD Program Office: Room 5140, 5th floor ISC

Rachel Skvirsky,  Co-director

rachel.skvirsky@umb.edu

Adán Colón-Carmona, Co-director

Adan.Colon-carmona@umb.edu