Northern New Mexico College has joined a nationwide consortium of universities to expand opportunities for undergraduate biomedical research.
The BUILD initiative – Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity, provides $22.6 million in funding to train students from underrepresented backgrounds to work in STEM fields.
“Northern is the graduate pipeline institution for STEM in northern New Mexico,” said Dr. Ulises Ricoy, chair of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science. “We’ve been doing research with very little money, yet we’ve had students go on to present research and attend graduate schools across the country. That’s why we were invited. “
Undergraduate students and faculty will be eligible for summer research experiences and can explore graduate opportunities in partner schools through the consortium.
Biomedical industries are among the fastest growing nationwide and constitute a wide range of sectors. Many of these jobs require graduate or doctoral level education. Ricoy said the consortium would provide Northern students with the experience and mentorship needed to enter these programs.
Northern has been providing undergraduate research opportunities since 2010 and currently has active student laboratories in neuroscience, plant biology, environmental science and ecology.
“Our niche is providing undergraduate students with the research opportunities they need to be competitive in their fields and to advance in their education and careers,” he said. We are passionate about what we do.”
Tagged: Biology, Grants, STEM, Student Research
