MARC Program banner

 

LSU MARC Program

The LSU Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program provides high-impact research experiences to a diverse pool of undergraduates and prepares them for entry into graduate programs in the biomedical sciences. The LSU MARC Program offers research training, financial support, mentoring, networking opportunities and academic preparation for motivated students. Our vision is to produce highly skilled, competitive, and productive young scientists who will fill a national need, and enhance LSU faculty mentoring, inclusion, collaborative research, community engagement and outreach activities.

LSU MARC is supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number T34GM136452.

 

 

Prospective Students

Responsibilities of MARC scholars

  • Engage in research during their 2-year appointment for 15 hours/week during the academic year and 30 hours/week for eight weeks during the summers.
  • Participate in Summer Research Experiences.
    • First Summer Research Experience (SRE1): Conduct on-campus research during the summer before your junior year.
    • Second Summer Research Experience (SRE2): Conduct off-campus research at another institution druing the summer before your senior year. 
  • Enroll in and fully participate in the Scientific Research-Related Skills (SRRS) Course all academic year semesters.
  • Participate in monthly research seminars and other MARC sponsored events.
  • Present research at a regional/national conference each year.
  • Participate in community outreach/mentoring activities.
  • Take GRE exam and apply for various fellowship opportunities.

  • Stipend of approximately $14,340 per year (12 month appointment)
  •  Tuition fee support (~$2,300 per year)
  • Travel funds to a national conference each year

Funds to support a summer extramural research experience.
Continuation of funding will depend on satisfactory performance in the program and availability of funds from the NIH.

The MARC stipend will be part of your overall financial aid package; the Financial Aid office will adjust your financial aid package to ensure that you do not exceed your financial need. For more information, please contact the financial aid office directly.  

  • Complete the online MARC application
  • LSU Transcript (submit via online application)
  • Two recommendation emails from faculty (Emails should be sent to the MARC program manager or director) 

The 2024-2025 application period is now closed.

 

MARC Team

Graça Vicente, PhD
MARC Director
Boyd Professor
vicente@lsu.edu
249 Chemistry & Materials Building 

Gretchen Schneider, PhD
MARC Manager 
gschne2@lsu.edu
201 Chemistry & Materials Building

Isiah M. Warner, PhD
Boyd Professor Emeritus

Tyrslai Williams-Carter, PhD
Assistant Dean of Mentorship, Education, & Research
twil161@lsu.edu
213 Hatcher Hall