Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)

2025-2026 MARC cohort

OVERVIEW

The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program is a two-year, NIH-funded, undergraduate honors program that seeks to increase the number of biomedical scientists that pursue advanced degrees in order to significantly impact health-related research. The program strengthens the skills and research training of students in the biomedical sciences to develop leaders in the scientific workforce. This program is appropriate for students interested in pursuing a PhD degree or dual PhD degrees upon completion of their baccalaureate degree. 

The MARC Program offers research training, financial support, mentoring, networking opportunities and academic preparation for strong and motivated students. We also provide information and guidance on the process of earning a PhD. The UCLA MARC program is one of the longest-standing MARC programs at Research I universities across the nation, and graduates from the program have embarked on highly successful careers. 

ELIGIBILITY

• All applicants must be: 
  • US Citizens or legal residents. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible. 
  • Registered, full-time undergraduate students at UCLA majoring in STEM fields with an interest in biomedical sciences. 
  • Have two years remaining at UCLA at time of application (graduating in Spring 2027) 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• MARC trainees are required to fulfill the following responsibilities: 
  • Engage in research during their 2-year appointment for 10-12 hours/week during the academic year and 40 hours/week for ten weeks during the summer 
  • Conduct off-campus research during one summer 
  • Enroll in and fully participate in the MARC Journal Club (PhySci 194) all academic year quarters 
  • Complete all writing activities, including research papers, mock grant proposals, and statements 
  • Present research findings at conferences (national and regional) 
  • Participate in outreach activities/mentoring 
  • Submit a summary of your work and a photo for an online profile 

SCHOLARSHIP/FUNDING

MARC trainees receive the following scholarship/funding: 

• Stipend of approximately $14,000 per year Trainees also receive partial tuition support (~$9,000 per year for in-state students, $16,000 per year for out-of-state students) and funding for travel to a national conference each year, as well as funds to support a summer extramural research experience. 

• Continuation of funding will depend on satisfactory performance in the program and availability of funds from the NIH. 

• *IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AID IMPLICATIONS: The MARC stipend will be part of your overall financial aid package; the Financial Aid office will adjust your financial aid package to ensure that you do not exceed your financial need. For more information, please contact the financial aid office directly. 

FAQs

• Do I need to be currently conducting research in order to apply? 
  • No. If you don’t have a research position yet, upon acceptance into the program we will work with you to identify one. 

  Can I work in a lab that is not listed on the “Faculty Research Mentors” page? 

  • Yes. There are many faculty across UCLA that conduct “biomedical” research. We can work with faculty that are not listed to ensure their mentor training and support is suitable. 

  What counts as “biomedical” research? 

  • This is a very broad area that can encompass many different fields, and the answer may surprise you. Even if you are not a “life science” major, or are working in a department that may not identify at first glance as biomedical, the research could still be important to human health, broadly defined. Chemistry, physics, math, ecology, etc. can all have impacts on health and well-being. Please reach out with questions! 

CONTACT

If you have any questions about the program, please contact the MARC Directors, Dr. Megan McEvoy mcevoymm@ucla.edu and Dr. Gina Poe ginapoe@ucla.edu.