Research

  • Young Innovative Investigator Program

    Connecticut Institute For Clinical and Translational Science

    at the University of Connecticut

     

     YOUNG INNOVATIVE INVESTIGATOR PROGRAM (YIIP)

     

    PURPOSE:

     

    The aim of the Young Innovative Investigator Program (YIIP) is to provide academic training at the University of Connecticut (UConn) to individuals dedicated to pursuing careers as scientists and scholars in biological and biomedical science in order to develop the next generation of innovative biomedical scientists. The YIIP is specifically focused on recruiting underrepresented minority students to contribute towards developing a sustainable academic pipeline to increase diversity among the pool of academic scientists. The program will provide tools for students to conduct research, succeed in an academic environment, and become competitive candidates for medical school or graduate school. Scholarships are available to students accepted to the program.

     

    OVERVIEW:

     

    The YIIP is a one to two year, full-time program at UConn for college graduates. Scholars will conduct research in biomedical laboratories under the supervision of a mentor. The program also provides students with individualized mentorship, academic support, and career guidance. In the first year, the curriculum consists of a minimum of 6 course credits per semester. Upon successful completion of coursework, a student will obtain a Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science from UConn. In year two, students who meet the academic qualifications may have the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree. By fulfilling the program requirements, YIIP scholars will acquire the expertise necessary to enter a M.D., M.D-Ph.D. or Ph.D. program.

     

    Eligibility:

     

    All applicants must

    • Have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
    • Demonstrate high motivation and potential to become a basic scientist with a goal of attaining a M.D., M.D-Ph.D. or Ph.D.
    • Be representative of the following racial and ethnic groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in health professions: Black, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander who meet all eligibility criteria and have a high probability of fulfilling the social and educational goals of this program.
    • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

     

    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

     

    • Complete online Graduate School application (see below).
    • Submit an official transcript from each college or university attended.
    • Provide two letters of recommendation, at least one from a science instructor.
    • Submit score reports for SAT (or equivalent), ACT, and/or MCAT or GRE.
    • Submit a personal statement within the online application following the directions given on the CICATS website, describing your background, talents, motivations and other factors that have shaped your career goals in medicine or science.
    • Submit an essay within the online application following the directions given on the CICATS website demonstrating your interest, particularly previous research experience or exposure, in pursuing careers as scientists and/or scholars in the biological and biomedical sciences. Include a statement of how this program will assist you in achieving your career goals.

     

    APPLICATION PROCESS:

     

    Applicants to the Young Innovative Investigator Program must apply for admission to the Graduate Certificate of Research Experience in Biomedical Science program at UConn and should follow the application guidelines and requirements outlined in detail on the YIIP page of the CICATS website http://cicats.uconn.edu/yiip.

    An online application can be found on the UConn Graduate School web site. To qualify for the $75 application fee waiver, promptly contact Charmane Thurmand, Assistant to the Dean of the Graduate School for Diversity Programs charmane.thurmand@uconn.edu or 860-486-3949 when you begin your online application. After you apply, please send the Graduate School your Official Transcript(s) in one envelope to the University of Connecticut, Whetten Graduate Center, 438 Whitney Road Ext., Unit 1152, Storrs, CT 06269-1152.

     

    • Deadline to submit an applications is April 14, 2014
    • Announcement of scholarship recipients will be in early May 2014.

     

     

    For further questions please contact Lana Angelo, Administrative Program Coordinator langelo@uchc.edu or 860-679-7661

    For more information, contact: Lana Angelo at langelo@uchc.edu