BioGEM Benefits
The BioGEM program provides financial support for recent college graduates who have limited or no prior research experience, prioritizing groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Scholars engage in interdisciplinary projects that study how organisms, populations and species respond to their past and present environment and how genetic mechanisms equip organisms to respond to future environmental change.
What is BioGEM?
BioGEM is an NSF-Funded RaMP program. Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates in Biological Sciences (RaMP) was created to establish networks to support research, mentoring, and training for recent college graduates who have had little to no research training opportunities during college. RaMP programs seek to train scholars for a diverse range of career paths in biological sciences!BioGEM Offers
- Research Experience: scholars collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to conduct research at the intersection of biodiversity science and genetic mechanisms.
- Professional & Scholarly Advancement Series: scholars engage in a comprehensive series of research training, workshops, and seminars focused on enhancing research skills, research capabilities, and professional development. The series is thoughtfully designed to promote a dynamic scientific community and to provide scholars with an environment that supports their sense of belonging and their identity as a scientist.
- Collaborative Framework and Networking: scholars are part of a network that spans institutions, including Rockhurst University, Haskell Indian Nations University, Stowers Institute, BioKansas, the KU Natural History Museum, and Emporia State University. The BioGEM network facilitates collaboration and access to a wide range of resources and expertise.
- Compensation: scholars recieve competitive compensation, health benefits, and funding for conference travel and presentation.
- Preparation: BioGEM provides personalized, small group, and one-on-one assistance to help scholars transition to graduate-level programs, industry roles, federal and state agencies, science-based non-profits, or other STEM careers, tailoring support to individual aspirations.
- Mentoring: our scholars benefit from a holistic mentoring approach, both within and outside the lab. Mentors are trained to create a dynamic networking environment that promotes engagement and adheres to principles of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility, providing scholars with a strong support system.
BioGEM Program Advantages
In additional to specialized research experiences, BioGEM scholars participate in a weekly professional & scholarly advancement series that includes both professional development workshops and hands-on, mentor-led training modules covering a wide range of research methods. Scholars are based primarily at KU, with opportunities to be co-mentored by faculty at Haskell Indian Nations University, Emporia State University, Rockhurst University and Stowers Institute.
The BioGEM program will provide:
- Approximately $32,500 annual salary
- Work on an interdisciplinary research project
- Training in diverse research methods
- Professional development workshops
- Help with graduate applications
- Travel funds for conferences
- Networking opportunities with local industry and state agencies