All undergraduate students enrolled for full time study at CSULB or CSLA who foster the goals of this program are eligible for consideration although applications are specifically encouraged from women, persons with disabilities and minority students of racial and ethnic groups that are historically considered by the NSF to be under-represented in the Sciences. Awards are highly competitive and preference will be given to those students who fulfill all eligibility criteria, have an overall GPA of 3.5 or greater and show scholastic and academic potential for research.  Students are expected to bv enrolled in the program for a minimum of 1 year but a maximum of 3 years. Participating students will be expected to undertake 10 hours of research/week during the academic semester and undertake full time research during intercession. Participant students will also be expected to the GRE and must enroll in NSCI 490 upon development of the class (Student Research Seminar Series). All participating students are also expected to present their research findings, either orally, or in the form of posters, at appropriate forums including local, regional and national scientific meetings, symposia and colloquia. Students are also encouraged to submit research of merit for consideration of publication into peer reviewed international scientific journals.