Figure 1.1

Graduate students find time to meet and discuss writing technique and proposals for grants.

The MBRS-RISE Program is a research-oriented program sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. "Its primary objective is to increase the number of minorities completing the undergraduate degree and the Ph.D. degree in the biomedical sciences."
Beginning in 2000, MBRS launched RISE adding program activities to its mission.

The number of minority faculty employed in biomedical research nationally, in universities and in industries, does not proportionally represent the number of minority students currently enrolled in universities. A primary reason for this condition is a scarcity of Hispanic, African-American, and American Indian Ph.D.'s involved in research in the biomedical sciences. The MBRS-RISE Program serves as a catalyst to increase the training of people with advanced degrees by promoting minority student involvement in biomedical research and by providing financial support.

Currently, 41 faculty members at NMSU participate as research mentors of students in the MBRS-RISE Program representing three colleges and nine departments. Students interested in participating in this program are encouraged to contact any of the faculty members to learn more about their research. The Faculty/Mentor list, accessible at the end of this page, provides contact information for all participating faculty and describes their areas of research.

Program Content:
Individual Research Training -This benefit allows undergraduates and graduates to conduct biomedical research under the mentorship of selected faculty.

Preparing for the Graduate School Workshops -The goals of this student activiy are to increase GRE scores; to assist MBRS-RISE students in applying to graduate school; to teach MBRS-RISE students how to teach.

Group Research Training-Medicinal Plants of the Southwest Program -This annual 6-week summer program is offered to high school graduates and college freshmen to study basic sciences through research on medicinal plants. The objective is to develop an interest within the students to pursue a major in the biomedical sciences.

Benefit to Students:
Active MBRS-RISE Undergraduates are provided with the following benefits:

1. Hourly salary for 33 weeks at 20 hours per week.
2. Year-round paid major medical insurance.
3. Travel funds to present a paper/publication at a professional scientific conference.
4. Laboratory supply money for laboratory research needs.

Active MBRS-RISE Graduates are provided with the following benefits:

1. Year-round salary at various levels.
2. Year-round paid major medical insurance.
3. Paid tuition for nine credit hours per semester (Fall and Spring).
4. Travel funds to present a paper/publication at a professional scientific conference.
5. Laboratory supply money for laboratory research needs.