We value diversity in research
San Diego State University seeks to make research open and accessible for all our students.
SDSU offers several programs run by university faculty, researchers, and student-focused coordinators that aim to help all students, regardless of race, sex, color or national origin, succeed in research careers.
CREATE Scholars
Nalani Coleman always knew she wanted to investigate diseases, especially cancer, so she found out about a research internship offered through the CREATE Partnership Scholars Program, which has opened many doors for her.
“It’s hard to picture yourself doing scientific research when you don’t have family members in such fields. I joined Partnership Scholars because I wanted to see what it actually looks like, and I think it opens doors and gives me a better idea of what I want to do," Coleman said.
The program aims to develop the next generation of researchers devoted to solving cancer health disparities.
Undergraduate research programs across campus
Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)
MARC has supported over 150 underrepresented students in its more than three decades at SDSU, and approximately two-thirds of them ultimately received fellowships to help fund their graduate education. The program’s goal is to encourage a diverse array of students to pursue research careers.
Student participants have written or contributed to more than 60 published academic papers. Graduating students involved in MARC matriculate into doctoral programs at higher rates than the general student body.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health, MARC is designed for juniors and seniors and accepts only a handful of high-achieving students per graduating class. Participants receive tuition scholarships, and stipends for research activities, supplies, travel, and housing.
Students are required to participate in a research lab, present their work at the annual SDSU Student Symposium, attend research-related conferences in their field, and apply to graduate school. They also attend workshops on succeeding in STEM fields, take courses on ethics and scientific writing, and are encouraged to study together on campus.
Pre-MARC
A cousin of the Maximizing Access to Research Careers program, this program is aimed at introducing first- and second-year students to research and mentoring.
Students participate in a six-week summer enrichment program and a hands-on laboratory experience. The program is funded by the NIH.
Center for the Advancement of Students in Academia (CASA)
CASA includes more than a dozen distinct support programs which span the different departments in the College of Sciences and the College of Engineering.
These programs collaborate to provide students with opportunities to tailor their
education, and are as diverse as the students they serve. There are programs that
provide support to students in all educational levels, including transfer and graduate
students.
Learn more about CASA
Mathematics, Engineering Science Advancement program (MESA)
For more than 30 years, the MESA program has supported students to become engineers and physical science professionals.
The program provides academic support, out-of-classroom experiences and industry and alumni engagement. These experiences help students succeed academically and develop professionally.
MESA students engage in high-impact experiences, such as undergraduate research, first-year seminar, and leadership development. SDSU MESA is a postsecondary component of MESA California.
Advancing Diversity in Aging Research (ADAR)
This program, funded by the National Institute of Aging, is designed to recruit students who are interested in the field of aging and prepare them for entry into a doctoral program.
Participants must enroll 3 years before graduating and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students get to work with research mentors, participate in summer research programs, attend networking events, and receive funds for research supplies and travel, as well as paid research lab time.
Bridges to Stem Cell Research Internship Program (BSCRIP)
This program, funded by the state, aims to encourage students to participate in regenerative medicine research.
Students obtain hands-on experience in stem cell research and guidance from mentor
researchers. The program promotes collaboration between SDSU and local research-driven
institutions and companies through monthly colloquiums, research seminars and a twelve-month
internship for each BSCRIP Fellow, which includes a monthly stipend of $2500.
The program is open to junior and senior students and first-year graduate students
pursuing a degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or other relevant health
or natural science.
CREATE Scholars Program
The CREATE Scholars Program provides research experience and training for 12-16 undergraduates across majors including basic sciences, public health, and psychology, among others.
Partnership Scholars receive stipends to train with cancer research projects at SDSU and UCSD (up to 40 hours per week in the summer and 10 hours per week during the academic year).
In addition to their stipends, scholars also benefit from support for conference presentations, an annual cancer Journal Club, a summer workshop, and other opportunities. Learn more about the CREATE Scholars Program.