Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program at Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a preeminent undergraduate research training scholarship program with the goal of increasing the number of students from underrepresented groups who pursue Ph.D. degrees and research careers in the biomedical sciences. This program is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The program provides scholars with individualized academic advising, guided preparation for graduate school, continuous administrative support and professional development activities to ensure a competitive edge in today’s scientific arena.

The U-RISE program aims to promote diversity in biomedical science at the doctoral level, by engaging undergraduate students who a strong desire to earn a Ph.D. in a customized research-intensive undergraduate training experience.

 

Photo of U-RISE mentors and students in a lab at Kennesaw State University

Questions?

 

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Application process

Application deadline is Early Spring 2025. Please see Dr. Melanie Griffin in the Science building, room 510, Kennesaw Campus (SC 510) for more information.

Eligibility

Students are eligible to apply to the KSU U-RISE Program if they:

  • Attend Kennesaw State University (KSU) full-time with a major related to the biomedical sciences (such as Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Engineering, or an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Major).
  • Have a minimum of 60 college credits completed.
  • Have a 3.3 entrant GPA.
  • Plan to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in biomedical sciences.
  • Are citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
  • Agree to fulfill all program requirements including a sustained research project with an approved mentor from KSU throughout the academic year.
ksu student and faculty using a microscope for research

 

Mentors


  • Name
    Position
    • Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

      mhalim1@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6759
      SC 422

      Website
    • Associate Professor of Biochemistry

      tleeper@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-2258
      SL 3006

      Website
    • Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry

      csaintlo@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6048
      SC 428

      Website
    • Professor of Chemistry

      dtapu@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-2259
      SL 4014

      Website
  • Name
    Position
    • Assistant Professor of Ecology and Organismal Biology

      wpreisse@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-3466
      SC 326

      Website
    • Associate Professor of Biology

      jtaglial@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-3678
      SC 332

      Website
  • Name
    Position
    • Assistant Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering

      lvallad1@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-7242
      M 115

      Website
    • Interim Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Industrial Engineering

      cscherre@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-5413
      Q 329

      Website
  • Name
    Position
  • Name
    Position
    • Associate Professor of Developmental Biology

      abryants@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-4919
      SL 4004

      Website
    • Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology

      bcarpe18@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-4998
      SL 4003

      Website
    • Assistant Vice President for Innovation and Commercialization and Associate Professor of Microbiology

      ccornel5@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-5115
      SC 519

      Website
    • Interim Chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Director of Special Programs and Associate Professor of Biology

      mgriff40@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6654
      SC 509

      Website
    • Assistant Professor of Microbiology

      ahaddow@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-2653
      SL 4008

      Website
    • Professor of Biology

      mhudso28@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-7558
      SL 4002

      Website
    • Associate Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

      djia@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6158
      SC 522

    • Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

      slee295@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-2794
      SL 3004

    • Professor of Biology

      kmensawi@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 568-3071
      SL 5060

      Website
    • Associate Vice President for Research Operations and Professor of Biology

      snowak@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-7777
      SL 4006

      Website
    • Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and Professor of Biology

      vsuppira@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6155
      SL 5002

      Website
    • Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

      jwardwel@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6158
      SC 525

    • Associate Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

      myoshina@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6604
      SC 503

  • Name
    Position