Testimonials
Luis Cantu
PhD Graduate Student at University of California, Berkeley.
B2B, IMSD, and MARC Scholar
“The information, mentoring, and support from many of the scientists in the Minority Science Program made me feel comfortable in pursuing a career in science. I met other students who were also pursuing careers in science and made lifelong friendships and a solid support network during my undergraduate studies and to this day. I am now pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of California, Berkeley where I hope I can make scientific contributions in the field of microbial ecology and continue the outreach efforts to increase representation of Hispanics and Hispanic issues in science.”
Carolina Herrera
PhD Graduate student at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
IMSD and MARC Scholar
“The MSP provided me with the foundation to develop as a scientist and to keep improving my scientific skills in graduate school. Conducting research through MSP solidified my passion for research and gave me the confidence to pursue a PhD in biomedical research as a first-generation college student. Through MSP I learned valuable lab skills and learned to think critically about science. I know that the skills and confidence I gained as a scientist during MSP will stick with me throughout my future career endeavors.”
Virginia Osasumwen Aimiuwu
PhD Graduate student at Columbia University.
IMSD and MARC Scholar
“Throughout my undergraduate education, I received enormous support and encouragement from Drs. de la Cruz and Mota Bravo, and that support continued into graduate school at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. De la Cruz provided me with a strong letter of recommendation which enabled me to receive a NIH NINDS predoctoral fellowship (F31). Dr. De la Cruz’s mentorship and commitment to ensuring my academic and personal development put me on a path that changed my life for the better!”
Dr. Albert Almada
Assistant Professor at University of Southern California.
IMSD and MARC Scholar
“Dr. Mota-Bravo and Dr. De La Cruz welcomed me into the UC Irvine Minority Science Program (MSP) at a time in my undergraduate career when I really needed mentors and role models who believed in me. UCI-MSP is a special program not just because it provided research mentors, didactic training, journal clubs, and weekly seminars that prepared me for the rigors of graduate school at MIT, but most importantly, it provided me with a supportive community of colleagues who were also struggling and succeeding as we worked towards a career in science.”
