UL-DRIVE Program
We stand ready to equip you for your next career in medicine.
The University of Louisville Developing Researchers through Innovation, Vision, and Exploration (UL-DRIVE) program is a postbaccalaureate program based on the PROPEL model. It is geared toward providing graduates a research experience with leading investigators at the University of Louisville, and professional development experiences and workshops to strengthen the professional skills necessary to apply and succeed in research and graduate school. Overall, this experience is designed to prepare individuals for admission into a biomedical sciences Ph.D. or MD/PhD programs. The program has received funds from PROPEL and Solving Sciences.
UL-DRIVE Program Mission
The mission of the UL-DRIVE is to train the next generation of scientists in STEM fields represented in our Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Arts and Sciences, and Engineering. UL-BIOMED is an integrated program among these four schools. This program will provide graduates who hold a technician position at the university with extensive mentored development and research opportunities in these disciplines, tailored workshops designed to develop skills that will prepare them to apply to a Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program and are necessary for becoming a successful scientific leader.
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
- Opportunity to take graduate-level courses
- Access to test preparation services and tutoring opportunities
- Participation in several workshops
- Emphasizing the most effective learning strategies
- Acquiring Molecular Biology skills including library preparation for RNAseq analysis
- Focusing on communication and writing as well as goal setting, motivation, and perseverance
- Training in reading and presenting data/primary literature
- Pairing with senior graduate students as Peer Mentors
- Participation in the monthly UL-DRIVE journal club/Research in progress meetings
- Presentation of research findings at an annual symposium
- Opportunity to present at a National Research Meeting
This program seeks graduates who demonstrate a high level of interest/engagement in biomedical research but are not ready to apply to graduate school or MD/PhD programs. Application submission are opens all year long and admission is contingent on holding a technical staff position at University of Louisville. There is no fee associated with the application.
Eligibility
Participants must have a baccalaureate degree in the biomedical or behavioral sciences. Students planning to graduate in the current Spring semester can apply but admission will be contingent on graduation. MS students are eligible.
Materials Required
Application should be emailed to pascale.alard@louisville.edu and should include:
- Curriculum Vitae/Resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts
- A summary of research experiences, if any
- A personal statement that describes:
- 1) career goals and how participation in the UL-DRIVE program will assist them in meeting those goals
- 2) their commitment to biomedical research
- 3) interest in potential faculty research at the University of Louisville (if not already working in a laboratory)
- Identification of two individuals who can provide letters of recommendation.
If you have any questions, please email the UL-DRIVE Director at pascale.alard@louisville.edu.
Leadership Team
Pascale Alard
Associate Professor of Microbiology & Immunology
Cynthia Corbitt
Professor of Biology
Sylvia Uriarte
Professor of Oral Immunology & Infectious Diseases