BUILD Fellows Program

 

BUILD Fellows Research Training Program

If you have been participating in mentored research for at least one semester OR have commitment from a faculty research mentor to take you in their lab, will be graduating within one or two semesters, and will be applying to enter PhD programs in health research careers in the Fall of next year at the time of the application, you can apply to the one-year-long BUILD Fellows research training program that begins in June. BUILD Fellows receive hands-on research training with a BUILD Faculty Mentor and have the following training requirements.

Requirements

  • Past research experience (at least one semester) or at minimum, a commitment from a faculty mentor to mentor you
    • Note: Those who have prior research experience will be given priority consideration
  • Graduation date is set for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027
  • Enroll in BUILD Learning Community (1-unit) Seminar each semester (meets on Fridays at 9 am - 10 am)
  • Apply to Ph.D. programs in the Fall of 2026

Required Training Activities and Components

⇒ Summer Research

BUILD Fellows participate in intensive summer research training. In the summer before their year in the program, they work with their BUILD Faculty Mentors full time (up to 36 hours/week), in addition to attending an 8-week Summer Learning Community (Summer Undergraduate Research Gateway to Excellence) from June to July.

⇒ Faculty-mentored Research

During the semester, BUILD Fellows will continue to work on research with the BUILD Faculty Mentor. Trainees are expected to spend on average 15 research hours per week during the semester.

⇒ BUILD Learning Community Seminar

BUILD Fellows are required to enroll in a 1-unit Learning Community Seminar (UNIV 495) in each semester (no exceptions). If mandatory course conflicts arise, arrangements can be made for students to make up the work.

⇒ Responsible Conduct of Research

BUILD Fellows are required to complete the online Responsible Conduct of Research CITI Training in their respective discipline.

⇒ BUILD Research Colloquium Attendance

BUILD Fellows are required to attend the BUILD Research Colloquium talk each semester.

 

Encouraged Training Activities and Components

⇒ Responsible Conduct of Research

BUILD Fellows are encouraged to complete eight hours of face-to-face Responsible Conduct of Research training offered each semester by the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED).

⇒ BUILD Research Curriculum

BUILD Scholars are encouraged (but not required) to take at least ONE of the following 3-unit courses during the 2-year program. Trainees are also encouraged to take more than one if they fit in their schedules and degree program timeline. See the PDF iconApproved Courses (PDF).

  • Interdisciplinary Approaches to Health Disparities (HDEV 303)
    • Multidiscipline approach to health issues & disease
    • Develop an understanding of the cultural & personal relevance of research
    • Supports a culturally-relevant science identity

Note: HDEV 303 satisfies GE Category UD B (Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning) and Category UD D (Social Science)

  • Scientific Research Communication (ENGR 361)
    • Proficiency in oral & written communication related to dissemination of research
    • Intensive practice in writing, editing, & critiquing
    • Discipline-specific methodologies

Note: This class satisfies GE Category F Writing Intensive Capstone requirement.

The course is cross-listed in multiple colleges. Students should enroll in the course within their respective college/discipline.

⇒ Professional Conference Travel

BUILD Fellows are encouraged to attend either the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), the Society for Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference, or a professional conference designated by the Research Mentor during the year to present their research. Alternative on-campus presentation opportunities include the annual CNSM Symposium, CSULB Student Research Competition, and Week of RSCA. BUILD Trainees may apply for the ASI Student Travel Fund or SLD Student Academic Travel Grant to fund their conference travel.