Announcements
Mentoring & Tutoring Program
The CAMP Mentor & Tutor Program has launched! Mentors & Tutors are available to assist with time-management, guidance/ tutoring to help navigate your academic experience, and campus life. The Winter Mentor & Tutor Schedule may be accessed via our website in the Services section.
CAMP Statewide Symposium
CAMP Statewide is hosting the Statewide Symposium on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at UC Riverside. Ten CAMP Scholars from each UC campus will present their research in a welcoming and supportive environment. The application to present is now closed; however please contact lsamp@uci.edu if you are interested in knowing how you can present at future symposiums.
UC LEADS
The University of California Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees Scholars (UC LEADS) program offers sophomores (or juniors planning to stay five years) an opportunity to conduct two years of faculty mentored research. The program is designed to identify educationally or economically disadvantaged undergraduates pursuing courses of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics who are likely to succeed in graduate school. Scholars are provided with educational experience that prepares them to assume positions of leadership in industry, government, public service, and academia following the completion of a doctoral degree. Scholars will receive a summer stipend of $4,000.
Information sessions will be hosted on February 8, 2024, from 12:00PM – 12:50PM at the Graduate Postdoctoral Scholar Resource Center.
Please RSVP by clicking here.
Application Deadline: March 6, 2024
Please contact ucigradprospect@uci.edu if you have any questions.
CAMP Updates
Edison STEM Transfer Scholarship Orientation
CAMP welcomed and celebrated the 11 recipients of the Edison STEM Transfer Scholarship at the Edison Scholars Orientation on Friday, January 26, 2024. The CAMP Scholars were recently awarded a two-year scholarship worth $15,000.00. The orientation provided information about the CAMP Program, services, and requirements concerning the scholarship. Congratulations, Edison Transfer STEM Scholarship Recipients!!
Book / Technology Loan Program
The CAMP Book / Technology Loan Program launched at the beginning of winter quarter! Eligible CAMP Scholars may stop by the CAMP office during regular operating hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) to check out books and / or technology for the quarter (if the items are available). You must have a current UCI Student ID to check out CAMP material. If you have any questions about whether you are CAMP eligible, we are happy to check when you arrive to the office. CAMP Scholars will be provided with books/ technology on a first-come, first-served, basis. Items must be returned at the end of the quarter.
You may learn about available material by clicking on the following link:
https://www.libib.com/u/campbooktech.
Faculty Spotlight
Meet Dr. Sharon Stead!
Dr. Sharon Stead is the Director of Residential Learning, Conduct, and Sustainability in Housing and is the Co-Chair of the University of California Systemwide Smoke Free Policy Task Force. She received her bachelor’s degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, her master’s from Colorado State University, and a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Stead is an amazing advocate and resource for students at UCI. Her main goal is to have a place where students feel like they can learn in the best environment possible.
In what capacity do you work for UC Irvine?
I currently serve as the Director of Residential Learning, Conduct, and Sustainability for undergraduate student housing. I am responsible for those aspects of our department for about 6,500 undergraduates..
How did you become involved with the CAMP program?
I became directly involved when I came into my position. During the pandemic, student housing went through a reorganization to provide consistency of experience and support for our students, for undergraduate and graduate housing. Prior to that, I met Dr. Harris through the Student Success Committee and from there we connected. The CAMP STEM House was in existence thanks to Dr. Harris’s partnership with Thais Bouchereau, who was the Arroyo Vista Associate Director at the time. Dr. Harris and I did work together to expand the theme housing to Middle Earth this year to give students an alternative experience. We still provided the house in Arroyo Vista, but students don’t have to choose between their CAMP STEM community and the resident hall experience.
What is your educational philosophy?
Access alone is not enough to achieve equity. To me, access is a responsibility, part of the institution for continued support and resources. To level what is often a very, very uneven playing field for many students upon their arrival through no fault of their own. I, also, believe that learning is reciprocal, and amid helping others learn, it is my responsibility to own my knowledge deficits and continually learn from those around me in addition to seeking out sources to further my own growth. It is not my students’ responsibility teach me stuff. I learned so much through my interactions with them. When I realize I do not know what I need to know to best support them, then that is my responsibility to figure out how I can increase my own knowledge to be the resource they need for their success. I believe that being an educator is a privilege to be taken with great respect and compassion, and I try very hard to be the compassionate person because I want to make sure that they feel that people really do care about them.
Why do you believe that undergraduate research is an important component of the student experience?
Because those skills will translate to so many areas in their life. It is not something that is only going to be used for school, particularly when it comes to understanding what a credible source is, but being able to think critically about all the information and images with which they are inundated every day. It is for them to have those skills to speak intelligently, to engage in discourse and conversation, and to help educate others. Those research skills are critical. I would not have those skills without learning about research as an undergraduate and then as a graduate.
What advice would you give students that may be afraid to communicate with faculty?
They were once where you are. They were students, too, and they had the experience of being a new person in an unfamiliar environment several times as an undergraduate, when they went to graduate school, and then starting a new job. They were again that new person in a new environment which can be intimidating and can make you feel like you do not belong here. Imposter syndrome is definitely a real thing. Just remember that everybody was once a beginner.
What do you do for fun?
I love living in SoCal because I really like being outdoors. This is the first place that I have ever lived where I get to choose when I want to see snow. If I want to see some, I just go on a drive to Big Bear. I love hiking. I have taken up stand-up paddle boarding. I really enjoy that. I am one of the only people hiking or walking around Crystal Cove on the beach right now because it is too cold for a lot of people.
What is your favorite movie and why?
It really depends on my mood. What I tend to watch repeatedly are the lighter fare. The American version of Death at a Funeral is one of my all-time favorites as it resonates with me. There is a movie called You Again that takes a humorous look at someone who was bullied in high school and tries to deal with her bully when the bully is marrying her brother. It is about forgiveness, acknowledging who people have now become.
What is your favorite song and why?
I tend to go for songs that I find motivational and inspirational. “Shake it Out” by Florence and the Machine, “Rise (feat. Tony Lucca)” by J. Pollock, “We Just Get One Life” by Nine One One, “All I Know So Far” by P!nk, “Fearless (feat. Ruby Amanfu)” by UNSECRET, and “Make Your Own Kind of Music” by Paloma Faith.
What advice would you give students with respect to successfully navigating their STEM degree program?
Ask for help. There are so many people around who choose to be here because they want to see you succeed. College is a time for learning and taking advantage of all the resources and people around you to provide that support and guidance that probably will not occur again outside of this type of environment. Remember you are not alone. You may feel like you are, but you are not. That is why we are here. For every one person that gives a negative interaction, there is at least five of us that are willing to counter that and will provide the resources and support you need.
Student Spotlight
Meet Melissa Sanchez!
Melissa Sanchez is a fourth-year human biology major and has an anticipated degree completion date for her bachelor’s degree at the end of this academic year! She is currently conducting research for an honors thesis with Dr. Thomas Lane on neutrophil infiltration and their role in demyelination in the viral model of multiple sclerosis. She is a CAMP Scholar, currently participating in the GRE Prep Course, and will apply for graduate school to seek a master’s degree as a Physician Assistant. Melissa has been a member of MAES since her freshman year and is now co-president for the organization.
How long have you been involved with CAMP and what are some of the services you have utilized?
I have been involved with CAMP prior to my freshman year. I participated in the virtual CSSA. It was different from how it is now, but it was still very helpful. That is how I got involved in the club I am in right now. Also, I was in the Summer Research Scholars program this past summer, and I will be attending the CAMP Statewide Symposium. I was lucky to be accepted into the GRE Prep class, and I plan to take the GRE exam in April once I complete the class.
Are you part of any clubs? If so, which ones? Why is it important for you to get involved?
I am the Co-President of MAES, and I have been involved all four years. I found out about them through CSSA because they presented about their organization. They stood out to me, and when we started school in the fall, I felt welcomed by them. I became an active member that first year and from there I applied for board positions becoming webmaster, then social chair, and this year as co-president. I believe it is important for me to be involved because we need to improve Latino representation, especially in STEM. We are trying to form familia on campus to support each other. We also do outreach with local high schools to encourage Latino students to pursue higher education.
What do you do for fun?
I like to read a lot. I have been watching a TV show recently and I just started a new game. I am currently watching Heaven Official’s Blessing, a Chinese anime, and it is based on one of my favorite novels by the same name. It is very exciting to see scenes that I read come to life on the screen.
What is your favorite food?
We just finished the holiday season, so I am going to say tamales. My family makes them during Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s. I like tamales, either mole or chile verde, with chicken.
Favorite movie? Why?
Recently, I was talking to one of my professors about the movie, The Imitation Game. That has been on my mind. It is an amazing story starring Benedict Cumberbatch who play’s English mathematician and computer scientist, Alan Turing.
Favorite song? Why?
One of my favorite KPOP groups just released a new album. The song is “Crazy Form” by ATEEZ. If you watch the performance, they have a dance break towards the end that I think is cool, and the member I like has a part where they are in the center.
What advice would you give your fellow CAMP scholars about successfully navigating higher education?
Try not to compare yourself too much. Try your best and do not think about what everyone else is doing. Make sure that you are enjoying what you are learning because eventually this will be your career, and you want to make sure that you like it, and you have a passion for it. Everyone goes at their own pace to finish school and it is different for everyone. Eventually, you will be able to get to where you want to go.
Mentor Way
Bailee Valenzuela
“The mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.” – Plutarch
Tony Martinez
“There is no failure, just a lesson learned.” – Brad Turnbull
Viviann Vargas
It doesn’t matter how long it takes to learn a subject or reach your goal. What matters the most is that you enjoy the educational journey and believe that you will get there with hard work and determination.
Graduate Fellowships/Assistantships/Scholarships
Research Opportunities
REU Programs at UM
The University of Michigan is excited to announce several undergraduate research experiences for the summer of 2024. This is a special opportunity to conduct next-gen research on 2D materials, energy storage, semiconductors, and sustainable polymers with world-class faculty. Students will be provided on-campus university housing and $6,000 stipend.
To learn more and apply, click here.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2024
USC Viterbi Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
The USC Viterbi Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is an 8-week summer residential research program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects with academic-industry collaboration under the mentorship of Viterbi faculty and PhD students.
Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: February 9, 2024
Syracuse University Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
The National Science Foundation gives undergraduates the opportunity to join research projects for the sumer. This allows students to experience first-hand how basic research is carried out, and to contribute consequentially. The program is open to all students who have completed their first year of study and who have a serious interest in chemistry. All participants will receive university housing at no additional expense in addition to a travel and conference reimbursement (if applicable). Participants also receive a $1,000 food allowance.
For additional information and to apply, click here.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) Program
The Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) program is a paid opportunity for students to participate in a combined 2024 summer experience: 6 weeks doing cutting-edge research at Purdue University and 4 weeks mentoring kids participating in an NSBE SEEK camp. The research focus this summer is on a broad theme that all participants will have in common: Energy for Our Growing World–how a wide range of energy sources (renewables, emerging energy technologies—biofuels, solar, nuclear, wind, shale, and other fossil fuels) serve the needs of people and communities, and how we balance those needs against the impact these energy sources differentially have on our world. Students will receive a total stipend of $6,000. Application will be accepted until all spaces are filled.
Click here to apply.
A separate application is required for NSBE SEEK.
CISTAR Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
CISTAR’s (Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformation of Alkane Resources) NSF-sponsored REU program will match undergraduates with faculty and graduate student mentors to do cutting-edge research on areas such as catalysis, separations, process design, decarbonization, and electrification. Students will be part of a research team with collaborators from across the five universities and meet with corporate partners in the energy sector for information sessions, tours, and informal mentoring. Opportunities are available at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN or the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. Application will be accepted until all spaces are filled.
Click here to apply.
REU Finder
REUFinder.com is a quick and easy way for students to find research opportunities. The site is divided into pages that list REU opportunities by year (freshmen, sophomore, junior and seniors as well as specific populations such as community college, international students, and undocumented students). REU Finder seeks to minimize extensive google searches to make it easy for students to identify programs that might be a good fit for.
NSF-Funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. The search page is meant to help scholars search for an REU site throughout the country.
Click here to learn more.
Pathways to Science Summer Research Tool
Deadlines are fast approaching for paid summer research programs! PathwaysToScience.org has a searchable database of 700+ summer research programs in all STEM disciplines. These are all FULLY FUNDED opportunities including programs sponsored by NSF, NASA, NIH, etc. We also have a selection of resources to help you strengthen your applications. Please contact The Institute for Broadening Participation Senior Advisor, Liv Detrick, at ldetrick@ibparticipation.org for assistance in finding a program that is a good fit for you.
Click here to find research programs and learn more.
Scholarships
Alpha Gamma Boule Foundation Scholarship
Developed in partnership with UNCF, the Alpha Gamma Boulé Foundation Scholarship Program was developed to provide merit-based scholarships to African American male undergraduate students who are residents of Alameda County in California. This one-time $5,000 scholarship will be awarded for the 2023-2024 school year. Award recipient application materials and contact information will be shared with the scholarship grantor to facilitate participation in leadership and mentoring opportunities. Applicants must be enrolled full-time as undergraduate students for the 2023-2024 academic year at a UNCF member institution or other accredited 4-year institution.
Click here to apply.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2024 11:59PM EST
2024 HSF Scholars Program
The 2024 HSF Scholar Program Application is now open. Every year, HSF selects 10,000 outstanding students as HSF Scholars from a broad and talented pool of applicants. HSF Scholars have access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, including career services, mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building, and wellness training. HSF awards more than $30 million in Scholarships annually and, depending upon available funds, HSF Scholars may also be eligible to receive a scholarship, which range from $500-$5,000 and are awarded directly to students.
Click here for more information and apply.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Indian Health Services Scholarship Program
The IHS Scholarship Program provides qualified American Indian and Alaska Native health professions students an opportunity to establish an educational foundation for each stage of their pre-professional careers. The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers three scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native students to educate and train health professionals to staff Indian health programs.
To learn more and apply, click here.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2024
ACS Scholars Program
The ACS Scholars Program awards renewable scholarships to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups in the chemical sciences, majoring in chemistry-related disciplines, and intending to pursue chemistry-related careers. Selected recipients are awarded up to $5,000 per academic year.
Click here for additional information and to apply.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Better Together STEM Scholarship
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) Foundation is offering Better Together STEM Scholarships of $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000. These are for students pursuing science, technology or engineering studies at universities in California. Students must be California residents and PG&E customers at the time of application.
Click here to learn more and apply.
Deadline: March 15, 2024
CBCF The Tracking Foundation Multi-Year Scholarship Program
The Tracking Foundation Scholarship Program awards academically talented and highly motivated African American or Black students pursuing an undergraduate degree in all discipline areas. This scholarship is renewed on a yearly basis up to 4 years, upon meeting the renewal requirements.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Internship Opportunities
Circor Aerospace Engineering Intern
CIRCOR Aerospace & Defense is focused on the design, development, and manufacture of specialty fluid and motion control products for demanding aerospace and defense applications. Engineer Interns have an exciting opportunity to apply their engineering knowledge to develop practical and cost-effective solutions in these markets.
To learn more and apply, click here.
Application Deadline: February 3, 2024
UC Irvine Public Health Informatics & Technology Program
More than ever, informatics, data, and technology will be a critical part of addressing future public health issues and inequities. UC Irvine’s Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) Program is training the next generation of diverse public health and health professionals in informatics, data, and tech to advance public health. Our Summer 2024 PHIT Summer Internship Program allows undergraduate and graduate students a paid opportunity to gain experience working with organizations that directly work with public health and health informatics.
To learn more and apply, click here.
Application Deadline: February 11, 2024
Public Health Entomology For All (PHEFA) Program
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will host a total of six undergraduate students who have completed their junior year as PHEFA Interns in its field offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Collins, Colorado; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, during the summer of 2024. Interns will work alongside experienced entomologists in CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases who are creating solutions to public health challenges, like Dengue, Zika virus, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. PHEFA Internships are paid, and ESA will provide one round-trip ticket to the location of the field office each intern is placed.
Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship
Stanford CSI brings together curious learners from differing backgrounds to actively engage in the exploration of the art and science behind world-class medicine. Discover, contribute, and make meaningful connections and friendships while working alongside dedicated and dynamic Stanford medical students, residents, and faculty, who are all eager to share the joy they have found in medicine.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Application Deadline: February 25, 2024
JPL Maximizing Student Potential in STEM
Maximizing Student Potential in STEM, or MSP, offers part-time and full-time internship opportunities at JPL to underrepresented students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in STEM. JPL is now offering both on-site and remote internships as projects allow. As part of their internships, students are partnered with JPL scientists or engineers, who serve as the students’ mentors. Students complete designated projects outlined by their mentors, gaining educational experience in their fields of study while also contributing to NASA and JPL missions and science.
Click here to learn more and apply.
Fellowship Opportunities
Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars Program
The Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars Program is a research-intensive summer training program in biomedical research for undergraduate students who plan to obtain a PhD or MD-PhD in the biomedical sciences. The aims of Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars Program are to identify applicants interested in biomedical research careers; to provide them with an intensive research and didactic experience in biomedicine during a 9-week residency at Yale School of Medicine; and to provide faculty and peer mentoring resources that extend throughout and beyond the program.
Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
CalTech AMGEN Scholars Program
Caltech is a world leader in research and education, and involving undergraduates in the research enterprise has long been an integral part of the undergraduate experience. The Caltech Amgen Scholars Program provides students the opportunity to conduct research in biology, chemistry, and biotechnology related areas under the mentorship of faculty who work at the frontier of their fields.
Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
UArizona NASA Space Grant Fellowship Program
The UArizona NASA Space Grant Fellowship Program provides up to six graduate fellowships per year to students pursuing STEM degrees at the University of Arizona. The goals of the Fellowship Program are to encourage individuals to pursue graduate education in a STEM field, support NASA-related research happening at the University of Arizona and increase science communication and outreach. Fellowships are competitively awarded and recognize students for their high achievements and academic merit.
Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Opens: February 12, 2024
Public Health Entomology For All (PHEFA)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will host a total of two PHEFA Fellows in its field offices in Fort Collins, Colorado; one PHEFA Fellow in Atlanta, Georgia; and one PHEFA Fellow in San Juan, Puerto Rico for one year beginning in summer 2024. Fellows will conduct research alongside experienced entomologists in CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases who are creating solutions to public health challenges, like Dengue, Zika virus, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Fellows will learn about public health entomology as a profession and learn applied entomological strategies to prevent and control vector-borne diseases.
To learn more and apply, click here.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024 by 11:59PM ET
Caltech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)
SURF students have had the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of experienced mentors working at the frontier of their fields. Students collaborate with a potential mentor to define and develop a project. Students carry out the work over a 10-week period during the summer. Click here for more information and to apply.
Application Deadline: February 22, 2024
Pathways to Science Tool
Search paid summer research programs for graduate students, travel grants, and fellowships through the Graduate Students Pathways to Science Tool – many deadlines fast approaching! Also, search and view tips on applying for postdoc positions.
STEM Student Org. Corner
American Medical Women’s Association Undergraduate Division (AMWAUCI)
Biomedical Engineering Society
MAES Latinos in Science and Engineering
Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS)
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Pre-Veterinary and Animal Wellness Association (PAWA)
Public Health Association (PHA)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Women in Information and Computer Sciences (WICS)
Did You Know…
Did you know that the UCI Department of Chemistry offers FREE peer tutoring via Zoom to students taking General Chemistry courses such as Chem 1A or Chem 1B. The department also has another set of peer tutors that can assist with Organic Chemistry (Chem 51B). It is important to utilize these resources as they are meant to help you be successful in the course! The Department of Physics also has free tutoring for Physics 2, 7 series, and 3 series. The tutors are the teaching assistants (TAs) for the courses. Additionally, the Department of Mathematics also has TAs and graduate students offering free virtual tutoring for Math 1A/1B and Math 2A/2B.
Upcoming Events
Uncertainty Quantification for Remote Sensing Data
February 1, 2024
4:00PM – 5:00PM
6011 Donald Bren Hall
Amy Braverman, Principal Statistician
JPL California Institute of Technology
In this talk, the approach to uncertainty quantification for remote sensing data products for two NASA missions will be discussed: the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 launched in 2014, and the new Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) mission slated for launch at the end of this decade. Synthetic is relied on but realistic ensembles of true state vectors and their corresponding operationally produced retrieval estimates, to learn conditional probability distributions of true states given their estimates via Gaussian mixture regression.
Electrochemical Reduction of CO2: Challenges for Materials and System Design
February 2, 2024
11:00AM
ISEB 1010
Professor Emeritus Alexis T. Bell
University of California, Berkeley
This talk will first review what has been learned from laboratory studies concerning the effects of catalyst composition and structure as well as electrolyte composition on the activity and selectivity of Cu and Ag catalysts for CO2 reduction and the factors affecting product current density. It will then be shown that to meet the demands of industrial-scale operation, it is necessary to consider membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs).
Adventures in Physics
February 10, 2024
12:00PM
Hosted by School of Physical Sciences
The Adventures in Physics program provides engaging demonstrations of physics at elementary school assemblies in the Orange County area. It also hosts an annual public event at UCI for the entire community. Cost is free.
To learn more and register, click here.
Designing Drugs for Human Diseases Using Structural Biology
February 28, 2024
11:00AM – 1:00PM
Crystal Cove Auditorium
Distinguished Professor Thomas Poulos
University of California, Irvine
This lecture will discuss how structural biology provides the required information for designing specific therapeutic agents and will present a few specific examples of potential drugs designed here at UCI targeting neurodegenerative diseases and melanoma. In addition, included will be an example of a UCI industrial collaboration that led to important insights into how certain HIV antiviral drugs work.
Click here to register.
Of Platforms and Products: New Technologies for Rare Disease Drug Development
February 28, 2024
6:30PM
Sue Gross Auditorium, 856 Health Sciences
Douglas Treco, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer of Inozyme Pharma
The challenges associated with building biotech companies and developing drugs for rare diseases will be discussed. Novel platforms for gene activation to produce therapeutic proteins and systems to select high affinity binding peptides from very large pools will be described.
Click here to read more and RSVP by February 21, 2024.