Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program
University of Pennsylvania
Program Director
Jean D. Boyer, Ph.D.
Program Co-Director
Hillary C.M. Nelson, Ph.D.
Associate Director Recruitment and Special Programs
Arnaldo J. Diaz, Ph.D.
The University of Pennsylvania Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PennPREP) provides one- to two-year research experiences for students who have completed college and are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in the basic biomedical sciences. This program will provide a significant research experience, along with preparation for applying to and succeeding in graduate school.
The goal of the program is to increase understanding in the principles and practices of biomedical research. The centerpiece of the program is a long-term research project conducted in the laboratory of a skilled faculty mentor. PREP scholars will learn to devise hypotheses, plan experiments, analyze results, and consider the impact of their research on their scientific discipline. The laboratory activities will be supplemented with many activities designed to prepare PREP scholars for graduate school:
- Research seminars, retreats, and conferences, including a focus on biomedical research topics that touch on health-disparities issues
- One formal course per semester
- Training in research success skills, from journal clubs to research seminars
- Sessions in scientific writing, public speaking, career advising, and bioethics
- GRE preparation
- Application assistance, with a focus on the personal essay and interview skills
- A variety of social activities with other PREP scholars, undergraduate interns, graduate students, and laboratory associates.
PREP scholars receive a competitive stipend, including health insurance.
Mentors are drawn from a group of over 600 faculty associated with Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. The mentors are united by their extensive experience in training scientists. Their broad areas of research include: biochemistry & molecular biophysics; cell & molecular biology; developmental biology; microbiology, parasitology, & virology; genetics; genomics & computational biology; immunology; neuroscience; and pharmacology. They have a diverse range of health interests, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma.
Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply. Applicants must have a degree in a biomedically-relevant science from an accredited U.S. college or university and have graduated no more than 36 months prior to the start of the program. Applicants must intend to apply to a graduate program within two years of beginning the PREP program. Individuals who bring diversity to graduate study in the biological or biomedical sciences by reason of their culture, class, race, ethnicity, background, disability, work and life experiences, skills and interests are encouraged to apply for the program. Applications are especially encouraged from students who are Black/African-Americans, Hispanic/Latino/Chicano Americans, Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, and Pacific-Islanders.
Applications will be accepted between December 15 and April 1.
Applicants are required to submit:
- The electronic PREP application form: application
- An official undergraduate transcript (if still enrolled, a second transcript will be required with final grades and proof of degree)
- Three letters of recommendation from academic faculty, research advisors, or relevant employers
- Personal essay on science background, coursework and any relevant research experience. Please include a description of your interest in a research career, as well as a justification as to why the PREP program will fulfill your goals. The entire personal essay should be between 2 to 3 pages
- A list of five or more prospective PREP or BGS faculty mentors who are doing research of interest to applicant
Admission will be for one year, with the admission to the second (and final) year dependent on success in the first one. During the second year, scholars must commit to applying to PhD programs in the biomedical sciences .
PennPREP is primarily funded by an R25 grant from the MORE division of the National Institutes of Health. Additional funding comes from Biomedical Graduate Studies.
Applications will be accepted between December 15 and April 1. We will start reviewing applications on or after March 1 and will continue notifications of admission until all slots are filled. The program will begin with orientation activities in the beginning of July.
PennPREP participants are encouraged to conduct research with faculty members who are formally associated with the PREP program. However, other BGS faculty members may be suitable mentors for PennPREP trainees as well.
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