Join the next Cohort!
The program is designed to be completed in just under 2 years, consisting of three academic semesters and two summers.
Expectations for scholars
Academic Semesters
During the three academic semesters, Scholars are required to enroll in one lecture-based course each semester and attend one 1-hour COMPASS meeting per month.
First Summer
In the first summer, students will focus on full-time undergraduate research at UC Merced in the laboratory of one of the stem cell faculty. This summer program also includes 3 hours per week of a Human Stem Cell Culture Training Module.
Fall Semester
The first fall semester includes MSE 104 and MSE 104L Engineering Multicellular Living Systems with Lab, BIO 195 or ENGR 195 (Research Units), monthly COMPASS meetings, Stem Cell Awareness Day Outreach, and a Clinical Experience.
Second Summer
In the second summer, students will be matched with an external industry partner for an 8-10-week summer internship.
Laboratory and Industry Internships
Students will participate in part-time research during their First Spring, First Fall, and Second Spring semesters. Full-time research will be conducted during the First Summer. Scholars will also have external industry internships during the Second Summer.
Patient and Healthcare Engagement Activities
Scholars will participate in structured clinical experiences to gain insight into the healthcare field and understand the context, diagnosis, and management of diseases that could be treated with stem cell therapy.
Required Courses
Scholars are required to complete specific courses, including BIO 150, MSE 104, MSE 104L, and BIO 195 and BIO 197. There are additional elective coursework options such as BIO 150L or BIO 118 or BIO 180.
First Spring
The first spring semester includes BIO 150 and BIO 150L and our monthly COMPASS meetings feature engaging presentations by faculty mentors.
Second Spring Semester
During the second spring semester, students will complete their Capstone project, including an oral defense of their written mini-thesis. They will also participate in meet-and-greet sessions with potential industry partners for matching and a community outreach event.
Capstone Project
The Capstone Experience involves writing up and orally defending a mini thesis. This project will be presented at the annual Community Outreach event.
Community Outreach and Education Activities
These include organizing a Community Outreach Event, oral presentations, poster sessions, and content creation for a public website. Additionally, educational activities are provided through monthly COMPASS Meetings.
Cohorts
The TUSCEB program’s training plan is crafted to provide a robust and well-supported educational experience. To achieve this goal, we have found that it is most effective to have four successive cohorts of students with overlapping schedules during both the Spring and Summer Semesters.
Application process
Education
Education history including a list of courses taken.
Diversity Statement
A diversity statement that details your experiences with diversity and inclusion.
Personal Statement
A personal statement that outlines your professional and personal goals, leadership experiences and approaches, and a description of your qualities and assets that make you a strong candidate for the COMPASS program.
Letter of Support
A letter of support from someone who can vouch for your promise and motivation for the COMPASS program, as well as your potential for leadership in the sciences.
Eligibility RequiremENT
Enrolled as a UCM undergrad with good academic standing.
Graduate Spring 2025 or later
Majoring in Biology & Bioengineering, Applied Math, Chemistry, Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering.
Passed BIO 110 or BIO 106
TUSCEB 