An 8-week paid summer internship, ongoing mentorship, and supported transfer designed specifically for Hartnell biology students.
š Location: UCSC Campus & Labs
ā³ Duration: 8 weeks summer 2026
š„ Cohort Size: 3 students per summer
š° Support: $5,600 stipend + campus housing + $1,000 transfer scholarship
š Eligibility: Hartnell College biology students planning to transfer to UCSC
ā³ Application Deadline: January 30, 2025
$5,600 stipend + free campus housingĀ
Your own independent research project
Training in both wet lab techniques and bioinformatics
Ā Embedded community in the nationally recognized Lamat REU programĀ
Present your work at a research symposium
$1,000 scholarship when you start at UCSC
Continued mentorship from faculty and program staff
Priority access to Genomics Institute workshops
Graduate school preparation from day one
Understanding and preparing for funded PhD programs
Join a movement of students redefining who does science
Build professional network with faculty and peers
Gain competitive edge for graduate programsĀ
Access cutting-edge facilities at a top genomics institutionĀ
(Fall-Spring Before You Transfer)
Phase 1 (FallāSpring) focuses on helping you connect with UCSC and prepare for transfer. In the fall, UCSC faculty visit your Hartnell biology classes so you can learn about genomics research and ask early questions about transferring. Between January and February, you complete the online application below. Students will be notified of the status of their application by Feb 20th.
The program supports you through the entire process with guidance, answers to your questions, advisor connections, and a timeline.
(8 weeks June-July)
Phase 2 (Summer: JuneāJuly) is an eight-week research immersion at UCSC. During the first two weeks, you move into campus housing, meet your research mentor and lab team, learn safety and basic lab techniques, and plan your genomics research project. Over the next five weeks, you work full-time on your independent research with close mentor support while also participating in weekly professional development workshops and community events with other summer researchers. In the final week, you present your research at a symposium, meet with faculty and peers, and receive support in planning for the fall, including how to continue your work once you transfer.
(After you transfer)
Phase 3 begins after you transfer to UCSC and supports your smooth transition into campus and research life. In your first quarter, you receive a $1,000 scholarship, meet with advisors and your mentor, and join transfer orientation activities. Throughout the year, you can continue your research, attend monthly workshops on graduate school and careers, check in regularly with mentors, and stay connected with a community of pathway students. You also gain access to Genomics Institute events and resources. The program helps you prepare for graduate school with essay support, recommendation guidance, interview practice, and fellowship advising, while building long-term connections through an alumni network and mentorship opportunities.
Ā Q: Do I need prior research experience to apply?
A: No! This program is designed for students new to research. We'll teach you everything you need.
Q: Can I work a second job during the summer program?
A: The research internship is full-time (approximately 40 hours/week), so additional employment is generally not feasible.
Q: What happens if I participate but then transfer to a different university?
A: The program is designed for UCSC transfers, but the research experience benefits any STEM path. The $1,000 scholarship is only for UCSC enrollees.
Q: Are there opportunities to continue research after the summer?
A: Yes! Most students continue in their labs during the academic year, often for course credit or additional experience.
Q: What kind of housing is provided?
A: You will be in undergraduate student housing (on the main UCSC campus) together with other students in this program and students in the Lamat Program.