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Participation in a strong program of
laboratory research is the major benefit to the RUSH Scholar,
and is an opportunity uncommon at most universities. RUSH Scholars
are in a position to interact with the best science faculty and
students at the University. Since the natural sciences are fundamentally
experimental disciplines, the Scholars are introduced to research
in the summer following their graduation from high school, and
then continue throughout all the academic years and summers the
Scholar is in the Program.
The Cal State LA RUSH Program is strongly
research oriented. Upon admission to the program, the students
are incorporated into active research groups under the direction
of the training faculty. The research group is the basic unit
we have used to motivate and strengthen the student's
desire for a career in biomedical research. Participation in
a research group (coupled with a strong academic preparation)
well-prepares these students for their future education in graduate
school. A positive, rigorous, and productive experience performing
publication-quality research as undergraduates is excellent preparation
for graduate school, and is a strong factor in developing a student's
scientific maturity and interest in a research career.
Laboratory research is also a very social
activity, and the new students interact and learn from more senior
members of the group. The research group is also, importantly,
a support group of individuals with similar career aspirations.
More senior members serve as positive role models to the newer
students. Students experience substantial career development
as a consequence of their participation in research.
The research participation by RUSH Scholars
is year round. During the academic year, the Scholar's participation
is limited by their academic course commitments, but during the
summer they devote considerably greater time to their research
efforts, either on the Cal State LA campus or at another university
or research institute. Cal State LA students have historically
been productive in the lab, and the quantity and quality of their
research work are impressive. Tangible results of their participation
in quality research programs are the 489 refereed journal publications
(see Publications by MBRS
Students and Faculty for a complete
list) and the two thousand meeting presentation abstracts wherein
they are co-authors.
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