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Bridges Program

NIH/NIGMS Bridges to Baccaularate

What is the Bridges program?

The Bridges program is part of an endeavor to increase the number of underrepresented groups in biomedical and behavioral research.  The Bridges program which is funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), introduces students to the field of biomedical research through hands on training.  Students in the program receive an hourly wage for conducting research with Faculty mentors at the partnered institutions.

Goals and Objectives of the Bridges Program

• Experience research in a state of the art research laboratory.
• Enter an educational path that leads to the PhD degree.
• Inspire and support progression toward biomedical or behavioral research careers.
• Have a positive research experience.

Benefits for Bridges Students

• Provide opportunities to learn more about careers in biomedical or behavioral research
• Provide opportunity for participants to learn about biomedical or behavioral research (e.g. offering seminars, lab tours, and other research related events.)
• Matching participants with individual faculty mentors to obtain direct research experience as part of a mentor’s laboratory team.

Paid Research

Those admitted to the program as Bridges Research Assistants will be paid $10/hour, either 30 hours/week during the May - August, 2008 or 10-15 hours/week during the 2007/2008 Academic Year, depending on availability of research opportunities and funds.

Participating Schools

Grand Rapids Community College
Henry Ford Community College
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kellogg Community College
Lake Michigan College

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have an interest in a biomedical or behavioral research career
• Major in biology, chemistry, or other science relevant to biomedical or behavioral research
• Have completed at least one semester at a participating school with a GPA of 2.8 or higher in relevant course work.  If applicant enters from High School, then comparable high school grades will be used.
• Be a member of the following underrepresented minority group:
  • African American
  • Hispanic American
  • Native American (including Alaskan Natives)
  • Natives of the US Pacific Islands
  • Rural Appalachians

Application Process and Deadline

Applications are accepted between September and May. Apply early since positions are limited. For an application form and instructions, click on the Application.

Program Coordinators

Dr. Robert Sutton
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Chemistry Department
rsutton@kvcc.edu
(269) 488-4175

Prof. Laurie Foster
Grand Rapids Community College
Biology Department
lfaber@grcc.edu
(616) 234-3989

Dr. Todd Whitaker
Henry Ford Community College
Science, Room S-13
whitaker@hfcc.edu
(313) 845-9724

Prof. Ron Smith
Kellogg Community College
Dept of Science, Mathematics, Exercise and Wellness
smithr@kellogg.cc.mi.us
(269) 965-3931 Ext. 2340

Dr. Susan Lentz
Lake Michigan College
Dept. of Mathematics, Science and Wellness
lentz@lakemichigancollege.edu
(269)927-8100 Ext. 5076