BLaST Scholarship Application
The Biomedical Learning and Student Training (BLaST) program invites applications from undergraduate
students to participate as BLaST Scholars. BLaST is a NIH-funded initiative with the overarching goal of
enhancing undergraduate training in biomedical research through increased diversity of students, increased
integration of research and teaching, and enhanced integration of rural campuses into a cohesive biomedical
community in Alaska.
To achieve this goal, BLaST Scholarships (which cover tuition + fees + living expenses of approximately
$15,754*) are offered to students from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This round of
BLaST Scholarships cover expenses for spring and summer 2015 semesters and are renewable by application
in August 2015 for the entire 2015-2016 academic year.
To be eligible for a BLaST Scholarship, students must:
 have an interest in biomedical research;
 be considering a career in healthcare, biomedicine, or research in life or social sciences;
 have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher;
 enroll for 12 or more credits in the Spring 2015 semester.
To apply, complete the application below (also available at www.uaf.edu/BLaST) and email it to
BLaST.uaf@alaska.edu by January 30, 2015*.
For more information, please contact Dr Barbara Taylor, BLaST Student Training Core Leader, at 907-4742487 or betaylor@alaska.edu.
Name of applicant
UA-ID number (if known):
Class standing:
Freshman
Current cumulative GPA:
Home town:
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
In an essay of 300 words or less, concisely and articulately describe your academic interests and career
aspirations with special emphasis on health and biomedicine. Do not mistake the brevity of this essay for an
indication that its evaluation will be lax. Strive for your best writing and have several advisors (mentors or
peers) give you feedback prior to submission.
In a second essay of 300 words or less, concisely and articulately describe your personal background with
special emphasis on how your unique perspective might contribute to diversity within the BLaST program.
Please indicate whether or not you are a diversity students, which the NIH defines as students from the
following backgrounds: under-represented minority (URM); rural; inner city; disability; low income; firstgeneration college student. Note that being a ‘diversity student’ is NOT required to be eligible for a BLaST
scholarship. Do not mistake the brevity of this essay for an indication that its evaluation will be lax. Strive for
your best writing and have several advisors (mentors or peers) give you feedback prior to submission.
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*Note, the Spring 2015 BLaST Scholarships will be awarded after tuition, fees, and residence payments are
due. Students are responsible for paying these bills on time, and the scholarship will reimburse these costs.
BLaST: Biomedical Learning and Student Training
an NIH-funded BUILD program from the Office of Scientific Workforce Diversity
University of Alaska Fairbanks  PO Box 757750  Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750
alaska.edu/blast/  phone: 907.474.5111  email: blast.uaf@alaska.edu