Applications now open for 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025-2027 cohort. They will close on February 1st, 2025.
Our Goal
The UMB Accelerating Momentum for Professionals in Life Sciences to Expand Diversity (AMPLIFIED) program is a 2-year mentored research training program designed to encourage and prepare recent baccalaureate graduates coming from underrepresented groups in the biomedical sciences for successful entry into a top-notch graduate programs and cancer research careers. The program is intended for students who are interested in obtaining additional skills to prepare them for entry into a graduate programs and research careers.
The overarching goal is to build a more inclusive cancer research workforce, ensuring diverse perspectives contribute to advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Our program is designed to align with broader initiatives to address disparities in health outcomes and representation in scientific leadership.
Key Features
AMPLIFIED scholars receive:
- A competitive salary
- Health benefits
- Tuition remission for courses deemed necessary to enhance preparedness for graduate school
- Ability to take graduate courses at the University of Maryland Baltimore campus or undergraduate courses at other University of Maryland Universities.
- The program will also pay for travel expenses for scholars to attend or present at scientific conferences
- Additional funding from GPILS will pay for a GRE test prep course
- A 50% fee reduction waiver from ETS for the general GRE and/or subject GRE test
Program Highlights
Training and Research Experience
Participants engage in intensive, hands-on research under the guidance of established scientists. Projects often involve cutting-edge techniques and address critical questions in cancer biology and treatment.
Professional Development
The program includes workshops and seminars to build essential skills, such as scientific communication, grant writing, and career planning.
Mentorship
Participants receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced researchers to navigate the challenges of graduate or professional school applications.
Networking Opportunities
The program fosters connections with peers, faculty, and professionals in cancer research, enhancing career prospects and collaborative opportunities.
Pathway to Advanced Education
Our program supports participants in transitioning to Ph.D., M.D., or other advanced degree programs, with a focus on increasing diversity in these fields.
Community Engagement
Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in programs to help support the local community, as well as engage in near peer mentoring, and fellowship with cancer survivors.
Leadership
Dr. Tonya Webb
Dr. Webb is a leading immunologist and research scientist who is recognized for her studies focused on the modulation of CD1d-mediated NKT cell activation for cancer immunotherapy using natural and artificial platforms.
One of Dr. Webb's main career goals is to be able to provide exceptional trainees with the opportunity to perform cutting edge research in an outstanding academic environment. In addition, research areas championed by her group include the development of novel cancer immunotherapeutic strategies and research into cancer health disparities.
Support
UMB AMPLIFIED is supported by an ACS-DICR Post-baccalaureate grant through the American Cancer Society. It is administered by The University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) and the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM) at the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) campus. The program also receives support from the Graduate Program in Life Sciences (GPILS) at the UMB campus.