Research Mentoring Internship Program
The Office of Diversity at the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute offers the Research Mentoring Internship program (RMI) for outstanding undergraduate students interested in pursuing research projects in areas relevant to genomics, including the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics research.
The RMI is supported by a grant from the NIH-National Human Genome Research Institute, with additional support from the UC Santa Cruz Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor. RMI scholars receive rigorous research training, financial support, professional development guidance, and join an extended mentoring community that includes faculty advisors, peers, and RMI program staff. Accepted scholars must fulfill internship program requirements and be dedicated to continuing to a Ph.D. in genomics and beyond.
Students who participate in the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute Research Mentoring Internship program can expect to gain a realistic picture of academic research careers based on actual experience in these roles. The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute Research Mentoring Internship exposes undergraduate students to the nature and rigors of a research environment under the close supervision of faculty mentoring, thus enhancing preparation for and success in graduate school and beyond.
The community of current and former RMI scholars shares their interest in genomics research and related ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) with other student interns from underrepresented groups. The Genomics Institute engages graduate fellows as peer mentors to undergraduate internship awardees, thereby creating a pipeline of support and mentorship.
The RMI scholar support program includes
- Regular intern meetings
- Advising with the internship program director
- Participation in scheduled genomics research, professional development events and workshops
- A recognition ceremony at the end of the year, where interns present their research findings and engage the audience in a scholarly presentation
Due to funding cuts, we are not accepting applications to this program for the 2025/26 school year.
Important Dates
Our Genomic Institutes Office of Diversity Director
Marina Ramon
