IMAGINE BELIEVE ACHIEVE What is IBA?
What are some of the benefits of being In IBA ?
The Iowa Biosciences Academy (IBA), funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provides underrepresented undergraduate students with research training and support to prepare them for entry into Ph.D. programs in the biosciences.
With an enormous demand for bioscience researchers, IBA is training the next generation of talented scientists. IBA students are matched with a research mentor and conduct research full-time in the summer and part-time during the academic year. Undergraduate students admitted to the program receive:
What does underrepresented mean? Nationally, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino(a), Native Americans (including Alaska natives), natives of the U.S. Pacific Islands, and individuals with disabilities or economically disadvantaged backgrounds are regarded as underrepresented in science and mathematical fields. It is imperative that programs in academic research create a more inclusive community of scholars and faculty, and IBA is contributing to that paradigm shift.
What is a Ph.D. degree? The Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy degree, is the highest academic degree anyone can earn. Most Ph.D. degrees require the completion of coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. At most institutions in the U.S., graduate students in the biosciences are paid a living wage-level stipend and are not charged tuition. To learn more about a Ph.D. degree, please visit: iba.biology.uiowa.edu/about/faqs "IBA offers opportunities that I would never have been able to find on my own and has prepared me for what to expect in graduate school." Ashlynn Gerth, IBA alumna Ph.D. student, University of Illinois at Chicago
One-on-one mentoring from UI research faculty.
What can I do with a Ph.D. degree in the biosciences? Getting a Ph.D. degree in the biosciences could lead to a career marked by important discoveries that benefit society, stimulate the economy, identify cures for diseases, and add new knowledge for future advances. Teaching at the university level typically requires a Ph.D. and a tenure-track professor position is a typical career option. However, there are many other career choices in industry, government, and nonprofit organizations for Ph.D. degree holders in the biosciences. To learn more, please visit: iba.biology.uiowa.edu/about/faqs
“Hands down, without IBA there is no way I would be in graduate school at Northwestern. I attribute my interest in science to that program. I didn’t even know what research was before joining IBA, and I had no idea what it meant to be in a lab.” Shameika Wilmington, IBA alumna Ph.D. student, Northwestern University
Preparation for a Ph.D. education through hands-on research experience, seminars, and conferences. Career counseling. Financial support for travel to science conferences where you present your research. Hourly wages for laboratory research. On-campus room and board during the summer. Each IBA student graduates with a true advantage – a polished personal statement, preparation for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), practice interviewing, numerous research presentations, and a lifelong network of friends and colleagues. “One of the many benefits of the IBA program is the people and friendships that I formed. There is nothing like having friends who understand what you’re going through and who have the same goals as you…they were some of the greatest friends I’ve ever made.” Lydia Morris, IBA alumna Ph.D., Emory University, December 2012
APPLICATION INFORMATION Students with a strong interest in research and a qualifying major are invited to submit a free online application and one letter of recommendation from a math or science instructor. An interview is also part of the admission process. Qualifying Majors: Biochemistry Biology Chemistry Computer Science (Bioinformatics) Biomedical or Chemical Engineering Environmental Science (Biosciences track) Health & Human Physiology (B.S. degree) Mathematics Microbiology Nursing Physics Psychology
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The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 319-335-0705 (voice) and 319-335-0697 (text), 202 Jessup Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316.
IBA is primarily funded by an Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences’ Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity (TWD).
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Iowa Biosciences Academy (IBA) The University of Iowa 169 Biology Building Iowa City, IA 52242 iba@uiowa.edu 319-335-0964 Dr. Lori Adams, Co-Director Dr. Vincent Rodgers, Co-Director Meaghan Rowe-Johnson, Assistant Director Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the IBA Office in advance at 319-335-0964.