Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement RIT U-RISE
The RIT U-RISE program is closed until further notice.
Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (U-RISE)
RIT U-RISE is an NIH-funded training program to support Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Bachelor’s-level students (U-RISE Trainees) who want a PhD in biomedical, biobehavioral, or clinical research fields. RIT U-RISE pays qualified RIT undergraduate D/HH students to participate in mentored intensive research experiences and professional activities for up to three years.
Shaping the scientific workforce by supporting future Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing scientists
There are not enough Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing scientists in biomedical, biobehavioral, and clinical research fields. As a result, the scientific workforce cannot adequately include the ideas and perspectives of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. An interdisciplinary approach with scientists representative of the population accelerates scientific progress and makes science more efficient in serving all populations. Therefore, the National Institutes of Health supports RIT U-RISE to increase the number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing scientists in the nation's research workforce.
Get a head start with hands on experience
PhD programs are more likely to accept undergraduate students who participate in intensive undergraduate research experiences. As an RIT U-RISE trainee you will participate in intensive research experiences, present your research results at national and local conferences, and prepare to successfully apply to enter a PhD program after you graduate.
Rochester Bridges to the Doctorate
About to finish your undergraduate degree, already finished, or interested in pursuing a master’s degree? Interested in continuing your education? Check out the Rochester Bridges to the Doctorate program!
Apply
To apply to the RIT U-RISE program, you must submit all required materials to ritrise@rit.edu. Only complete applications will be considered for the U-RISE program.
For more information about the program and application process, further review this site and/or contact us.
Required Materials for U-RISE Application
- Basic Personal Information
- Transcript – A record of your completed and current coursework with grades.
- Relevant Experiences – Describe your research or work experiences, including what you did, accomplishments, challenges faced, and feedback that helped you grow.
- Letter of Recommendation – One letter, which must be sent directly by the recommender to ritrise@rit.edu.
- Personal Statement (Maximum 3 pages, longer statements will not be accepted) – Share your background, skills, experiences, and ambitions as a scientist. Consider:
- What sparked your interest in science?
- Your thoughts on becoming a Ph.D. scientist.
- Any past research experiences.
- People or experiences that shaped your goals.
- Why you are a good match for U-RISE and how it will help you achieve your goals.
Media
News
U-RISE News Items
What began as an online study using surveys to assess cognitive reserve has since evolved into a full-scale, in-person research effort in RIT’s Neurobehavioral Lab.
RIT has been announced as one of 10 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institutional Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in Biomedical and Behavioral Research Prize Competition award winners.
Related News
The Deaf Hub aims to improve the healthcare training experience through mentoring students and professionals, to increase universal access in the health system by working with the community of health professionals, and to strive for better health of deaf and hard-of-hearing people informed by research. The Deaf Hub works towards the long-term goal of increasing the number of deaf and hard-of-hearing people entering health care and biomedical science careers. Deaf Hub news
Publications
Resources
U-RISE offers more than mentorship, it also provides and shares resources with trainees. See the full list
Team
Leadership Team
Advisory Board
The advisory board oversees the program, ensuring it meets its stated objectives and benchmarks by meeting twice a year. List of current advisory board members
Trainees
Meet both current and alumni trainees and learn more about their studies and how U-RISE supported their journey. Meet them
Mentors
Meet both current and alumni trainees and learn more about their studies and how U-RISE supported their journey. List of active and past mentors
We welcome new mentors! If you're interested in supporting U-RISE trainees, email us at ritrise@rit.edu.
NIH U-RISE T34GM145542 “RIT U-RISE Scientists-in-Training Program for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Undergraduates”