UCLA is accepting applications for the 2025 Richard Morgan Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program. Apply HERE!
Instructions for submitting an application:
THE 2025 RICHARD MORGAN SUMMER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
PROJECT GOAL: To increase diversity in the physician-scientist workforce by providing individualized research preparation and mentorship for undergraduate students who plan to apply to MD-PhD programs, including the UCLA-Caltech Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP).
PROGRAM DETAILS: The 10-week fellowship program will provide critical support through 1) research training in a top lab at UCLA for one summer and 2) longitudinal mentorship by UCLA faculty and current MSTP students who will comprehensively assist fellows in preparing for their subsequent application and interviews with MD-PhD programs. Once selected and based on their research interests, fellows will be paired with a UCLA faculty mentor and a current student in the UCLA MSTP who will co-mentor the fellow during an intensive summer research experience. In the following months, mentors will communicate regularly with the fellow, providing feedback on personal and research statements, AMCAS applications, and preparations for MD-PhD interviews.
APPLICATION DETAILS: The UCLA MSTP is currently soliciting applications from undergraduate students for a 10-week summer research fellowship in 2025 (Sunday, June 22 – Friday, August 29, 2025). Ideally, students should apply in their second year of college (Sophomore), although third-year college students (Juniors) are also eligible if they have prior research experience.
Applicants must be:
- U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents
- Currently attending an institution in the U.S. or in a U.S. territory
- Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Interested in pursuing an MD-PhD
Applicants must submit the following via the application portal:
- Academic Transcript
- A personal statement (1,000 words or less) that describes the following: 1) how the summer fellowship will help the candidate pursue their interest in the MD-PhD path (~250 words); 2) any adversity or hardships the candidate had to overcome to pursue education in STEM; 3) the candidate’s demonstrated commitment to serving the underserved or increasing inclusion in STEM to underserved communities; and 4) a brief description of any past research experience.
- A Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- One letter of recommendation from a research mentor who is able to comment on the candidate’s research potential. If applicants have not had prior research experience, a letter from a college Professor will suffice.
- Names of up to six (6) UCLA faculty whose research aligns with the interest of the candidate.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION: If your letter of recommendation is being sent directly to us by your research mentor, you do not need to include it in your submission. Research mentors should email your letter of recommendation to MSTPFellow@mednet.ucla.edu before 11:59 PM Pacific time on February 28, 2025. We strongly recommend that you confirm with your mentor that it was sent to MSTPFellow@mednet.ucla.edu. Applications received without a letter of recommendation are considered incomplete and will not be accepted for committee review.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The application deadline is February 28, 2025 at 11:59PM Pacific Time. Candidates will be selected by a panel of UCLA research faculty mentors and current MSTP students. Applications will be judged based on a candidate’s academic accomplishments, resilience in overcoming adversity or hardship, activities related serving the underserved or increasing inclusion in STEM, and motivation to matriculate into a U.S. MD-PhD program. The top candidates will be interviewed by Zoom by members of a faculty and student committee in March. Candidates will be notified of our final decision by the end of March 2025. We plan to fund four to six fellows for the summer 2025.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Participants will receive a $4,500 stipend, on-campus housing (if needed), and a meal plan to help offset living expenses.
PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATION MATERIALS VIA THE APPLICATION PORTAL: 
