The Iowa Microbiology Minority Program is intended to encourage well-qualified MS Biology students to pursue a Ph.D. studying in Microbiology, Virology or Immunology at the University of Iowa. The scholarship provides partial financial support for MS studies, as well as classroom and laboratory experience at Iowa to enrich the MS program at their home institution. Students must be interested in research in the areas of virology, immunology, pathogenic bacteriology or molecular biology.

A student would be admitted to a Biology MS program at UTPA. In the first or second semester they could apply for the Iowa Microbiology Scholarship, which would be awarded based on their record, GRE score, and the student's enthusiasm to undertake a Ph.D. program

Eligibility

A student must have been accepted into the UTPA Biology Masters Program and be truly enthusiastic about obtaining a doctoral degree. Students from both thesis and non-thesis MS programs will be considered, but research experience is expected. Graduate GPA must exceed 3.0, and it is preferred that the undergraduate GPA exceed 3.0, although those with and undergraduate GPA slightly below 3.0 will be considered. Undergraduate coursework must include two semesters of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biology. It is preferred that the student will have taken at least one microbiology or virology course and a genetics or molecular biology course prior to arriving at Iowa.

NOTE: At present both universities are in the process of establishing the final design of the program and application procedures. Please consult with the University of Iowa, Department of Microbiology web page or contact Dr. Luis Materon for further information.