Announcements
Welcome Back CAMP Scholars!
CAMP is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00AM – 5:00PM! We are located at 107 Rockwell Engineering Center. We look forward to seeing you soon!
CAMP Exclusive Scholarships
Exciting news! Scholarship applications are now open! You can apply for the Wendy Robello CAMP Scholarship, Nava Family CAMP Scholarship, Cynthia Brown STEM Scholarship, and the Edison STEM Transfer Scholarship through the Forms & Apps section on our CAMP website. Don’t miss out—submit your application today!
Deadline: Friday, October 11, 2024
ALMA Youth Program Mentor Recruitment
The Dr. Frank Zaldivar ALMA Science Academy & Mentorship Pipeline, run by GREEN-MPNA in Santa Ana, California is seeking undergraduate and graduate mentors to mentor a multi-grade level after school program. Read more about ALMA here and GREEN-MPNA here. If you are interested in applying or learning more about this mentorship opportunity click here.
UCI Math CEO is an outreach initiative which offers free weekly after-school mathematical explorations for Latinx youths from nearby communities. UCI faculty and students participate in Math CEO as program mentors. They facilitate math activities during the weekly after-school sessions and have the opportunity to share their college experience with participating youths, acting as role models. By attending the math enrichment sessions with the youths and the coaching sessions, UCI students can earn fieldwork hours and, also, units. Click here to learn more about the program.
CAMP Updates
Book / Tech Loan Program
The Book/Technology Loan Program launched on Monday, September 23, 2024, and we still have a selection of books available for the fall quarter. To explore the materials you can borrow, please visit: https://www.libib.com/u/campbooktech. You must be CAMP eligible and provide a UCI student ID to submit a request.
La Bienvenida
The Latinx Resource Center hosted La Bienvenida during Welcome Week! CAMP shared information about the program and how to get involved.
Faculty Spotlight
Meet Dr. Mohammad Javad Abdolhosseini Qomi!
Dr. Qomi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a joint appointment in Materials Science and Engineering. He is dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment for all students and is actively involved with CAMP, understanding its vital role in uplifting and supporting minoritized students in STEM.
In what capacity do you work for UC Irvine?
Currently, I serve as an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. My joint appointment with Materials Science and Engineering allows me to engage with a diverse range of topics and collaborate across disciplines.
How did you become involved with the CAMP program?
When I joined UCI, I quickly recognized the importance of giving back to the community, especially since UCI is a minority-serving institution. After reaching out to find ways to contribute, Dr. Derek Dunn-Rankin introduced me to the CAMP program, and that connection solidified my commitment to serving students in this capacity.
What is your educational philosophy?
Every student matters. Each student comes from a unique background and has different aspirations. I believe that professors who can connect with this diversity are the most effective in teaching. Understanding individual student journeys is crucial for fostering success.
Why do you believe that undergraduate research is an important component of the student experience?
Undergraduate research is invaluable because it equips students with essential skills that often aren’t taught in traditional coursework, such as problem-solving and hypothesis formulation. This experience prepares them for future challenges, whether in academia or industry, and helps them develop critical thinking abilities.
What advice would you give students that may be afraid to communicate with faculty?
It’s important to remember that professors are just regular people who genuinely care about their students. Engaging with faculty—whether after class or during office hours—can be incredibly beneficial. Students shouldn’t hesitate to reach out.
What do you do for fun?
I cherish spending time with my family. We love taking my kids to their various activities, exploring amusement parks, and enjoying days at the beach together. Family time is essential for recharging.
What is your favorite movie and why?
I don’t have a singular favorite movie, but I’m a huge fan of the TV series “Mindhunter.” It delves into the fascinating history of the FBI’s serial killer profiling unit, blending psychology with crime investigation.
What is your favorite song and why?
I find myself listening to “Baby Shark” quite a bit, thanks to my kids’ enthusiasm for it! However, I also enjoy Coldplay, with songs like “The Scientist” and “Viva La Vida” being favorites of mine.
What advice would you give students with respect to successfully navigating their STEM degree program?
Don’t let the challenges of STEM intimidate you. It’s normal to face difficulties initially. Persistence and hard work will ultimately lead to success. Remember, these fields offer rewarding career opportunities, and your determination will pave the way.
Student Spotlight
Meet Tyler McMillan!
Tyler McMillan is a sophomore majoring in chemical engineering, with an interest in biochemistry and cellular engineering. Currently conducting innovative research in Dr. Quinton Smith’s lab, Tyler is delving into the fascinating world of stem cell technology, aiming to engineer organs and enhance medical treatments. He has a passion for blending engineering with biology to innovate within the medical field.
How long have you been involved with CAMP and what are some of the services you have utilized?
I got involved with CAMP the summer before my freshman year when I was accepted into their three-week summer camp. It was one of the best educational experiences I’ve had. Since then, I’ve made great use of the study room and the printing services, and Dr. Harris has been instrumental in helping me navigate my research opportunities.
Are you part of any clubs? If so, which ones? Why is it important for you to get involved?
Right now, I’m primarily involved with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). I find it essential to be a part of clubs because they offer a sense of community and connection. It’s a great way to meet people and engage with others who share similar goals and experiences.
What do you do for fun?
I was a boxer in high school, and I still train whenever I can. I also go to the gym at the ARC and play basketball when I have the time.
What is your favorite food?
That’s a tough one! I enjoy a lot of different foods, but I’ve been trying to improve my cooking skills lately. So, I’d say cooking has become a favorite pastime of mine.
Favorite movie? Why?
My current favorite movie is Detachment. I like the story. If a movie has an emotional connection with me, I automatically like it.
Favorite song? Why?
I like the song “Underclass” by King Cruel, but my favorite version is the live one. I enjoy it because it’s sad, and it’s the perfect song to wake up to on a cold and rainy day. I play it every morning when I drive.
What advice would you give your fellow CAMP scholars about successfully navigating higher education?
Take your time at the start. Building connections is crucial and remember that you don’t have to do everything on your own.
Mentor Way
Tony Martinez
“There is no failure, just a lesson learned.” – Brad Turnbull
Viviann Vargas
It doesn’t matter how long it takes to learn a subject or reach your goal. What matters the most is that you enjoy the educational journey and believe that you will get there with hard work and determination.
Graduate Fellowships/Assistantships/Scholarships
Research Opportunities
Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program at UC Davis
PREP@UC Davis prepares postbaccalaureate students from disadvantaged backgrounds and historically marginalized groups (including individuals who have a disability that limits major life activities) to succeed in PhD programs in the biomedical sciences. PREP@UCD creates a community of faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and PREP Scholars. They work together to provide scholars with cutting-edge research tools and experience in conducting hypothesis-driven biomedical research, skills in professional communication, and an environment in which the scholar can grow and self-identify as a scientist. Applications for 2025-2026 will open in December 2024. Click here to learn more and apply.
REU Finder
REUFinder.com is a quick and easy way for students to find research opportunities. The site is divided into pages that list REU opportunities by year (freshmen, sophomore, junior and seniors as well as specific populations such as community college, international students, and undocumented students). REU Finder seeks to minimize extensive google searches to make it easy for students to identify programs that might be a good fit for.
NSF-Funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. The search page is meant to help scholars search for an REU site throughout the country.
Click here to learn more.
Pathways to Science Summer Research Tool
PathwaysToScience.org has a searchable database of 700+ summer research programs in all STEM disciplines. These are all FULLY FUNDED opportunities including programs sponsored by NSF, NASA, NIH, etc. We also have a selection of resources to help you strengthen your applications. Please contact The Institute for Broadening Participation Senior Advisor, Liv Detrick, at ldetrick@ibparticipation.org for assistance in finding a program that is a good fit for you.
Click here to find research programs and learn more.
Scholarship Opportunities
Cynthia Brown STEM Scholarship
Cynthia Brown is a dedicated advocate for the CAMP program. As a single parent, she encouraged her son to pursue higher education to improve his future. Thanks to her steadfast support, her first-generation son not only attended college but also earned a doctoral degree in a STEM field. The Cynthia Brown STEM Scholarship (CBSS) aims to provide additional resources to help students from underrepresented minoritized groups in STEM succeed in their degree programs. Juniors and seniors who are active in CAMP are eligible to apply, provided they have completed at least one quarter of research. There is no minimum GPA requirement for the scholarship. Awarded to promising CAMP Scholars, the scholarship offers a $500.00 award.
Application Deadline: Friday, October 11, 2024
Nava Family CAMP Scholarship
The Nava Family Scholarship aims to offer additional support to students from underrepresented groups in STEM, helping them excel in their degree programs. This fellowship provides promising CAMP Scholars with a $1,000.00 award for the winter quarter. CAMP-eligible students are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. To be considered, the Nava Family CAMP Scholarship application must be submitted by the deadline.
Application Deadline: Friday, October 11, 2024
Wendy Robello CAMP Scholarship
Wendy Robello, a former CAMP student, mentor, tutor, and research scholar, was one of the few women in aerospace and mechanical engineering and the first in her family to attend university. The CAMP program provided her with the resources, community, and support that paved the way for her future success. Wendy earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Irvine and an M.S. in Systems Architecture and Engineering from USC. She is now a Senior Engineering Executive at a leading Aerospace and Defense company. The Wendy Robello CAMP Scholarship offers a $500.00 award to promising CAMP Scholars.
Application Deadline: Friday, October 11, 2024
UCI Scholarship Opportunities Program Pre – Application
UCI encourages high-achieving undergraduates to compete for prestigious scholarships, grants, and fellowships and to start learning about these opportunities as early as possible. The Scholarship Opportunities Program (SOP) provides information on a curated selection of prestigious national and international awards, including funded research and study opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. The SOP also supports UCI’s application and nomination processes for awards that require university endorsement. Additionally, the staff offer individual and group counseling, host workshops, assist with CVs, and edit Statements of Purpose and research/project proposals.
Application Deadline: Monday, October 07, 2024 by 12:00 PM PST
2024 National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholar Application
Since 2013, The National Space Club and Foundation has provided a unique opportunity for a student to deliver the keynote address at the prestigious annual Goddard Memorial Dinner, a premier event in the space industry. This opportunity is open to U.S. citizens—whether high school seniors or graduate students—who are academically strong, excel in public speaking, and are committed to pursuing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). In addition to the keynote speaking role, the selected student will receive a $20,000 scholarship. This scholarship supports students from accredited educational institutions across the United States who have clear plans to advance in a STEM field.
Application Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:59:59 PM EST.
The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program is excited to offer two scholarship opportunities for STEM students: the SMART Scholarship and the Ronald V. Dellums Memorial SMART Scholarship (Dellums SMART Scholarship). Applications for both scholarships are accepted annually from August to December. To apply, students must submit their applications online by the specified deadline.
Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 by 5:00 p.m. EST.
ASHRAE Society Scholarship Program
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offers multiple scholarships each year, providing up to $10,000 per award to deserving students. These scholarships are funded by ASHRAE, a leading professional association dedicated to advancing the design and construction of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Application Deadline: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Internship Opportunities
NRC Research Associateship Programs
The NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP) offer prestigious postdoctoral and senior research awards to support promising scientists and engineers. These programs provide exceptional research opportunities at federal laboratories and affiliated institutions, including mentorship, access to cutting-edge facilities, and the chance to impact government policy. Designed to advance the research careers of associates, RAP offers a comprehensive experience tailored to career development. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2024, 5PM ET
JPL Year-Round Internship Program
The JPL Year-Round Internship Program provides both part-time and full-time internship positions at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) throughout the academic year and during the summer. This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Interns are paired with JPL scientists or engineers who act as mentors, guiding them through projects that are critical to NASA and JPL missions. This hands-on experience allows students to gain valuable knowledge in their field while contributing to cutting-edge research and technology. For more details and to apply, click here.
Application Deadline: No deadline, Rolling basis
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)
Each year, students from across the country have the opportunity to participate in the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program at one of 17 participating Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories and facilities. This comprehensive internship provides hands-on research experience under the guidance of a leading science expert, offering exposure to various scientific and technological fields that support the DOE’s diverse missions. SULI is a paid internship managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS), in collaboration with DOE laboratories and facilities. Students can choose to engage in a 10-week summer internship (May–August) or a semester-long internship (August–December or January–May).
Application Deadline: October 2, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET
HACU National Internship Program
Since 1992, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has been providing one of the premier internship programs in the nation. This opportunity allows participants to join a network of over 14,000 alumni while gaining valuable professional experience through internships at federal agencies. The program not only offers hands-on experience but also provides compensation.
Application Deadline: Friday, October 18, 2024
Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP)
The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) provides academically accomplished college and graduate students with a passion for science and engineering the opportunity to engage in research in the Department of Navy laboratories. This ten-week summer program offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge research environments. Selection of interns is based on academic performance, personal statements, recommendations, and alignment with career and research interests.
Application Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2024
Fellowship Opportunities
Maximizing Student Potential in STEM
The Maximizing Student Potential in STEM (MSP) program is dedicated to enhancing diversity by increasing the involvement of underrepresented and underserved students in STEM fields. This includes, but is not limited to, students who are underserved, women, first-generation college students, geographically underrepresented individuals, those who are educationally or financially disadvantaged, and students with disabilities. MSP offers both part-time and full-time fellowship opportunities at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Fellows are paired with JPL scientists or engineers who mentor them through specific projects, providing valuable educational experience and contributing to NASA and JPL missions. Click here for more details and to apply.
Application Deadline: No deadline, Rolling basis
Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program
The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborate to offer a range of laboratory fellowship programs designed to train and prepare scientists for careers in public health laboratories and support public health initiatives. The Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program features a competency-based core curriculum while providing fellows with the opportunity to specialize in a particular focus area. Fellowships typically last one year, with the possibility of a second year based on the specific fellowship and available funding. APHL also offers flexible start dates to accommodate both fellows and their mentors. Click here to learn more and apply.
Application Deadline: No deadline, Rolling basis
The GEM Fellowship provides exceptional opportunities for MS and Ph.D. students by connecting them with leading engineering and science firms and top universities across the nation. This fellowship is aimed at enhancing career prospects in industry at the graduate level, particularly in research and development, product development, and other advanced technical roles. Additionally, GEM offers valuable exposure to academic career opportunities. Click here to discover more about this fellowship.
Application Deadline: Multiple GEM fellowships, Varies
STEM Student Org. Corner
American Medical Women’s Association Undergraduate Division (AMWAUCI)
Biomedical Engineering Society
MAES Latinos in Science and Engineering
Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS)
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Pre-Veterinary and Animal Wellness Association (PAWA)
Public Health Association (PHA)
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Women in Information and Computer Sciences (WICS)
Did You Know…
Did you know that the UCI Department of Chemistry offers FREE peer tutoring via Zoom to students taking General Chemistry courses such as Chem 1A or Chem 1B. The department also has another set of peer tutors that can assist with Organic Chemistry (Chem 51B). It is important to utilize these resources as they are meant to help you be successful in the course! The Department of Physics also has free tutoring for Physics 2, 7 series, and 3 series. The tutors are the teaching assistants (TAs) for the courses. Additionally, the Department of Mathematics also has TAs and graduate students offering free virtual tutoring for Math 1A/1B and Math 2A/2B.
Upcoming Events
Purdue Graduate Programs 2024 Open House
October 3-4, 2024
Online
The Purdue School of Engineering Education (PurdueENE) is hosting a two-day open house to connect individuals from diverse backgrounds, including undergraduate and graduate students from various disciplines, as well as professional engineers considering a career change. This event is open to all interested parties. For those unable to attend in person, online participation options are available for parts of the first day. Click here to register.
UC Irvine In-Person Fall Career Fair 2024
October 3, 2024
10am – 2pm
Outdoors on Ring Road
The Division of Career Pathways (DCP) is hosting a career fair this October. Visit their website here to find more information about this event and future career fairs.
UC Irvine In-Person STEM Career Fair 2024
October 17, 2024
10am – 2pm
UCI Student Center
The Division of Career Pathways will host the annual STEM Career Fair. Upper division and graduate students looking for Summer 2024 internships or full time positions are encouraged to attend this event.
From Coordination to Collaboration in Multi-Robot Systems: Lessons from Ecology
October 4, 2024
9:00 AM
McDonnell Douglas Engineering Auditorium
Join Professor Egerstedt in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science for a discussion on multi-robot systems.
California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education
October 19, 2024
9:00 AM
UC Riverside
The Forum is an all-day program designed to acquaint students from underrepresented groups with the academic and career opportunities associated with advanced study in a wide range of disciplines at the doctoral level. Students have the opportunity to meet representatives of the nation’s leading graduate schools offering Master’s and Ph.D. degrees and to attend workshops and panel sessions.
UC Irvine Graduate Division will be offering bus transportation to and from UC Riverside on a first come, first serve basis.
- The bus will depart UC Irvine flag poles at 6:45 am to UC Riverside and return by 6:00pm.
- If you are interested in securing a bus spot to the event, contact Zitlaly Sanchez in the Graduate Division at diversity@rgs.uci.edu.
Register here: https://calstate.eventsair.com/24forum/student-regr
UCEAP Virtual Study Abroad Fair 2024
October 23, 2024
12 pm
Online
Ready to take your education beyond borders? Join UCEAP Study Abroad Fair and discover exciting international opportunities that will enrich your academic journey. Meet with program representatives, learn about diverse study destinations, and get all the tips you need to embark on your global adventure. Don’t miss this chance to find your perfect study abroad experience! Learn more about this event here.
Princeton University Virtual Graduate Information Session
October 24, 2024
4pm EST
Online
The Department of the Molecular Toxicology and the Lewis-Sigler Institute at Princeton University will be holding info sessions for their graduate programs in the coming months. Attached is the flyer for the info session for the Molecular Biology graduate program. Click here to register.
Please contact Dr. Aimee Farria at atfarria@princeton.edu if you have any questions.
