HHMI Program Application
Leaders in Scientific Research Training Program
The UTRGV HHMI Undergraduate Leaders in Scientific Research Training Program invites applications for
participation in a comprehensive undergraduate research experience in all STEM fields. This program will promote
interdisciplinary scientific inquiry, develop a student’s leadership skills, and prepare students for graduate school.
Additionally, the program includes a quantifiable data collection effort through assessments that HHMI students
participate in. The program is looking for highly motivated students that want to enhance their scientific background
through research experience and preparedness for graduate school. A student can enter the program at the end of
their sophomore year and qualifies to start their supported work with their faculty research mentor throughout a 13
week paid summer.
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
 STUDENTS WILL BE PAID $2,270 FOR 13 WEEKS (20 HRS/WK) FOR FIRST PARTICIPATING SUMMER.
 RECEIVE $500.00 FOR LABORATORY SUPPLIES RELATED TO YOUR PROJECT DURING FIRST PARTICIPATING SUMMER.
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
• Submit a completed application
• Submit a resume and UTRGV academic transcript
• Submit a personal statement (700 word limit). Statement must include: career goals, how the HHMI program can
help them achieve their goals, how can student improve HHMI program, and how long they can commit to the
program.
• All student applicants must identify a faculty research mentor. The mentor must submit additional supporting
documents (see below).
• Must be a full-time student in good academic standing, have a minimum GPA of 2.75
• Must be classified at least as a sophomore.
• Must commit to work for 13 weeks in summer 2015 (20 hrs/wk = $2,270)
• Must attend all HHMI data reviews and seminar series.
• Must participate in all academic and social cohort activities
• Must participate in all data collection activities.
• Must behave professionally.
• Must maintain an effective and efficient mode of communication with program personnel
• Must participate in annual evaluations that determine student’s standing in program for continuity purposes.
• Must complete required academic courses (or their equivalent) by graduation date.
• Critical Thinking (PHIL 1305)
• Leadership ( LEAD 2310)
• Statistics (MATH/STA 23XX)
• Ethics (Biomedical, Engineering, PHIL 23XX)
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HHMI Program Application
Leaders in Scientific Research Training Program
STUDENTS MAJORING IN THE FOLLOWING ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY:
MATHEMATICS
PHYSICS
ENGINEERING
COMPUTER SCIENCE
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
FACULTY RESEARCH MENTOR REQUIREMENTS:
• Via email- The student applicant’s prospective faculty research mentor must submit a CV and a brief statement
agreeing to mentor the student and participate in HHMI related activities. ( See page 5)
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM PLEASE CONTACT:
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: MARTHA SALAZAR MARTHA.SALAZAR@UTRGV.EDU
OFFICE: MAGC 2.402
WEB: WWW.UTPA.EDU/HHMI
TEL: 956-665-3174
APPLICATION DUE MARCH 31ST!!!
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HHMI Program Application
Leaders in Scientific Research Training Program
Applicant Personal Information
Name
Last
Permanent
Address
First
Middle
Street
Apt #
City
State
Zip Code
Telephone
Current
Email
College Email*
Permanent
Cell
Other Email*
*Both required
HHMI requires us to collect the following information it will not be used in selection
process
Are you a member of a group that is under-represented in science? (Yes/No)
If yes, which under-represented group
Do you have any disabilities (mental, physical, or otherwise) that should be considered for the purpose
of accommodating working conditions (Yes/No)
If Yes, please
explain
Are you a first-generation college student (Yes/No)?
Are you from an economically disadvantaged background (Yes/No)?
Other Information:
Gender (M/F)
Citizenship
Date of Birth
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Student ID #
If not U.S., visatype
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HHMI Program Application
Leaders in Scientific Research Training Program
How did you hear about the HHMI Program?
Education (submit official UTRGV transcript including the current semester.)
High School
School
City
State
Present College
School
City
State
Hrs Completed
Present College
Date of Enrollment
Classification
GPA
Degree Expected
School
City
Major
Minor
Present College
Expected Graduation Date
Previous College
(if any)
State
Hrs
Dates
Honors, Scholarships and Awards (begin with College then high school)
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HHMI Program Application
Leaders in Scientific Research Training Program
List Courses in which you are currently enrolled
Career Goals
Post-baccalaureate interest
Statement of Career Objectives:
Faculty Research Mentor
In addition to the required personal statement you must identify a faculty research mentor prior to
submitting this application. The prospective faculty research mentor is required to submit a 1-2 page
description of the applicant’s research project, which includes a training plan. In addition, the research
mentor must submit a CV (include publications with students, grant support, number of students trained
and identify those that pursued secondary degrees). Limit to 4 pages. The research plan must include: a
research project that is scientifically sound and can be completed prior to graduation. The training plan
must include: mentor’s training plan for the student and how this will help their career goals;
dissemination of the research project, and plan for presenting at a national conference. The faculty
research mentor can submit their information directly to the HHMI program coordinator via email
martha.salazar@utrgv.edu or can be included with application.
Research
Mentor
Name
Institution
Department
City
State
Zip
Phone
Email
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HHMI Program Application
Leaders in Scientific Research Training Program
Research Training and Experience
Have you previously participated in research?
(Yes/No)
Have you previously been employed by UTRGV?
(Yes/No)
If you have had research experience, list the names of research mentors, area of study(s), and dates.
List any Presentations or Publications
Describe how you can add value to the HHMI Program.
Personal Statement
Submit a 700 word personal statement identifying your career goals, how the HHMI program can help you achieve
these goals and how long you can commit to the HHMI program.
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HHMI Program Application
Leaders in Scientific Research Training Program
Additional Information
Students are required to spend initially 13 weeks in a research lab during the summer and commit to working 20 hours a week.
In addition, students have the potential to receive research support for the senior academic years depending upon good standing
in the program and funding. Students must be able to commit to the program for a minimum of 2 1/2 years starting summer
2015. Students are also required to attend all HHMI sponsored events and comply with program requirements.
Can you commit to the program for 2 ½ years?
(Yes/No)
Will you require any special requirements/support?
(Yes/No)
If yes, please explain in the space below.
Do you plan on or have taken the GRE?
Date
(Yes/No)
Do you wish to participate in the HHMI GRE Prep
Course?
(Yes/No)
You MUST list any activities or circumstances that could prevent you from completing the 13-week duration of the summer
program, even if you do not know if you will participate in the activity. Do not list other summer research programs.
Certification
By putting your name in the box to the right, I certify that the information submitted in this
application is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge
Name above to Certify
Rev 1/2016
University of Texas-Pan American is an Equal Opportunity state university.
*this template based off of the BCM SMART program
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