Upon admission to the program, the students 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. A positive, rigorous, and productive experience performing publication-quality research as undergraduates is excellent preparation for graduate school, and is a strong factor in developing a student's scientific maturity and interest in a research career. Laboratory research is also 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. The research participation by RUSH Scholars is year round. During the academic year, the Scholar's participation is limited by their 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 students have historically been productive in the lab, and the quantity and quality of their research work are impressive. TOP Research Training Faculty Twenty-five laboratories under the direction of the training faculty are available for the conduct of research.