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BUILD Scholars Research Training Program

If you have three to four semesters left in order to complete your degree program and will be applying to enter PhD programs in health research careers in the Fall of your final year, you can apply to the two-year-long BUILD Scholars research training program that begins in June. BUILD Scholars receive hands-on research training with a BUILD Faculty Mentor and have the following training requirements.

Requirements

• No prior research experience is required
  • Note: Those who have prior research experience will be given priority consideration
• Graduation date is set for Fall 2027, Spring 2028, or Summer 2028
• Enroll in BUILD Learning Community (1-unit) Seminar each semester
• Apply to external summer research internships in Fall/Winter 2026 (for Summer 2027).
• Apply to Ph.D. programs in the Fall of 2027.

Required Training Activities and Components

⇒ Summer Research

BUILD Scholars participate in intensive summer research training. In the summer before their first year in the program, they work with their BUILD Faculty Mentors full time (up to 34 hours/week), in addition to attending an 8-week Summer Learning Community (Summer Undergraduate Research Gateway to Excellence) from June to July. In the subsequent summer, they are expected to apply to participate in a summer research internship at a research-intensive university that offers doctoral degrees (i.e., R1 university) or a research institution for research experience with another research mentor. Scholars apply for these internship opportunities in the fall/winter of the first year of the program.

⇒ Faculty-mentored Research

During the semester, BUILD Scholars will continue to work on research with the BUILD Faculty Mentor. Trainees are expected to spend up to 15 research hours per week during the semester.

⇒ BUILD Learning Community Seminar

BUILD Scholars are required to enroll in a 1-unit Learning Community Seminar (UNIV 395 for Year 1 Scholars and UNIV 495 for Year 2 Scholars) in each semester (no exceptions). If mandatory course conflicts arise, arrangements can be made for students to make up the work in GM office hours.

⇒ BUILD Research Curriculum

BUILD Scholars are encouraged (but not required) to take at least ONE of the following 3-unit courses during the 2-year program. Trainees are also encouraged to take more than one if they fit in their schedules and degree program timeline. See the Approved Courses (PDF).

• Interdisciplinary Approaches to Health Disparities (HDEV 303)
  • Multidiscipline approach to health issues & disease
  • Develop an understanding of the cultural & personal relevance of research
  • Supports a culturally-relevant science identity

Note: HDEV 303 satisfies GE Category UD B (Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning) and Category UD D (Social Science)

• Scientific Research Communication (ENGR 361)
  • Proficiency in oral & written communication related to dissemination of research
  • Intensive practice in writing, editing, & critiquing
  • Discipline-specific methodologies

Note: This class satisfies GE Category F Writing Intensive Capstone requirement.

The course is cross-listed in multiple colleges. Students should enroll in the course within their respective college/discipline.

⇒ Responsible Conduct of Research

BUILD Scholars are required to complete the online Responsible Conduct of Research CITI Training in their respective discipline