The Cal State LA MBRS-RISE Undergraduate Scholars Program is strongly research oriented. Upon admission to the program, the Scholars are incorporated into active research groups under the direction of the training faculty. The research group is the basic unit we have used to motivate and strengthen the student's desire for a career in biomedical research. Laboratory research is a very social activity, and the new students interact and learn from more senior members of the group. The research group is also, importantly, a support group of individuals with similar career aspirations.
More senior members serve as positive role models to the newer students.
Students experience substantial career development as a consequence of their participation in research. Membership in an active research group and performance of quality research strengthens the student's preparation for graduate education to the Ph.D. in a biomedically-related science. The research participation by our MBRS-RISE students is year round. During the academic year, the trainee's participation would be limited by academic course commitments, but during the summer they devote considerably greater time to their research efforts, either on the Cal State LA campus or at another university or research institute. Cal State LA MBRS-RISE students have historically been productive in the lab, and the quantity and quality of their research work are impressive.