It is designed with the conviction that active lab-based research is one of the most effective training techniques. Trainees design and execute research projects that seek to provide a solution to a yet unsolved problem of biomedical interest under the supervision of active research mentors . Trainees participate as colleagues in a research group. At the completion of the research project, trainees submit a technical report and give an oral presentation at a seminar modeled on a professional technical meeting. Trainees are exposed to a diverse research environment not just at VUU and VCU, but at several major research centers and institutions across the country.
Trainees become co-authors of articles at scientific meetings and in referred publications.
Workshops address issues related to career choices, preparation for graduate school, research funding and ethics. Pre-MARC activities teach trainees scientific communication and presentation skills, basic research terminologies and techniques, computer usage, and the use of electronic library services. Those rising juniors with major concentration in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics. Must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Completed all necessary science courses for the sophomore year.