The Department of Biological Sciences at UMBC is home to nationally recognized scholar and research-training programs that support students from their first undergraduate research experience through the Ph.D. Explore the programs below to find the right fit.
Graduate Scholar Programs
G-RISE
The Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement is an NIH-funded training program that develops a diverse cohort of Ph.D. scientists prepared for careers in the biomedical research workforce.
- Stipend, tuition, and training-related support, including health insurance
- Funding for up to three years, based on a mentor-guided training plan
- Professional development courses, career talks, and monthly meetings
- Open to biological sciences and other participating UMBC Ph.D. programs
Funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Meyerhoff Graduate Fellows Program
The graduate counterpart to the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, supporting Ph.D. students in the biomedical and behavioral sciences who are committed to advancing diversity in these fields. Participating Ph.D. programs include Biological Sciences and Molecular and Cell Biology.
- Fellowship support while earning the Ph.D.
- Cohort community, annual retreat, and mentoring
- Connections to Meyerhoff Scholars alumni
Contact the G-RISE / Meyerhoff graduate office for current details.
Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) Program
An NIH-supported, cross-disciplinary training program for Ph.D. students who want to work at the intersection of chemistry and biology. It brings together UMBC’s Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Biochemistry departments with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.
- Cross-training in a second discipline, approved with your mentor
- Formal chemical biology coursework (CHEM 715) and a cross-departmental committee member
- Travel and supply funds; NIH training grant fellowships for eligible U.S. citizens, starting in the third year
Ph.D. students in participating programs may apply for membership (undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher).
Undergraduate Scholar Programs
Meyerhoff Scholars Program
A nationally recognized program for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. or combined M.D./Ph.D. in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It supports students from all backgrounds who are interested in advancing diversity in these fields.
- Tight-knit cohort and learning community
- Early, sustained research experience and mentoring
- More than 1,400 alumni nationwide
Admission is nomination-based. Applicants are incoming undergraduates.
U-RISE
The Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement is an NIH-funded scholarship and training program (formerly MARC U*STAR) that prepares students for biomedical research-focused Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs.
- For juniors and seniors with an outstanding academic record
- Year-round mentored research and research-materials support
- Advising, graduate-school preparation, and conference travel
Funded by NIGMS, National Institutes of Health.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
UMBC has a long partnership with HHMI. UMBC biochemist Michael Summers is an HHMI Investigator, and HHMI support has funded early, hands-on research for UMBC undergraduates in his lab and in HHMI laboratories nationwide.
- Six UMBC rising juniors joined the inaugural HHMI Cech Fellows cohort in summer 2026
- Fellows work in leading labs on projects in neuroscience, virology, and drug discovery
- Strong preparation through UMBC’s scholar programs and mentored research
Availability and eligibility are set by HHMI and change by year.
More Research Opportunities
STEM BUILD Training Program (BTP)
Undergraduate Research Awards (URA)
IRES: Conservation Biology in The Bahamas
Departmental Honors in Research
URCAD & SURF
Summer Research Opportunities
Eligibility, funding, and deadlines change from year to year. Please confirm details on each program’s website. Questions about the department? Call 410-455-2261 or visit the contact page.