The Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program at ÈâÈ⴫ý (KSU) (GM 140948), funded by the National Institutes of Health, is a preeminent research training program with the goal of broadening the participation of students pursuing Ph.D. degrees and research careers in the biomedical sciences. This program places scholars in a customized research-intensive undergraduate training experience with individualized academic advising, guided preparation for graduate school, research training and continuous administrative support and professional development activities to ensure a competitive edge in today’s scientific arena. Students from under-represented backgrounds are strongly urged to apply.

Undergraduate student interested in applying to the U-RISE program must have a strong desire to earn a Ph.D.  or M.D./Ph.D in biomedical science. For more information on eligibility, please contact the program director using the online form on this webpage.

 

Photo of U-RISE mentors and students in a lab at ÈâÈ⴫ý

Questions?

 

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Application process

Application deadline is Early Spring 2025. Please see Dr. Melanie Griffin in the Science building, room 510, ÈâÈ⴫ý Campus (SC 510) for more information.

Eligibility

Students are eligible to apply to the KSU U-RISE Program if they:

  • Attend ÈâÈ⴫ý (KSU) full-time with a major related to the biomedical sciences (such as Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Engineering, or an approved Interdisciplinary Studies Major).
  • Have a minimum of 60 college credits completed.
  • Have a 3.3 entrant GPA.
  • Plan to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in biomedical sciences.
  • Are citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
  • Agree to fulfill all program requirements including a sustained research project with an approved mentor from KSU throughout the academic year.
ksu student and faculty using a microscope for research

 

Mentors


  • Name
    Position
    • Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

      mhalim1@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6759
      SC 422

    • Associate Professor of Biochemistry

      tleeper@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-2258
      SL 3006

    • Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry

      csaintlo@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6048
      SC 428

    • Professor of Chemistry

      dtapu@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-2259
      SL 4014

  • Name
    Position
    • Assistant Professor of Ecology and Organismal Biology

      wpreisse@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-3466
      SC 326

    • Associate Professor of Biology

      jtaglial@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-3678
      SC 332

  • Name
    Position
    • Assistant Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering

      lvallad1@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-7242
      M 115

    • Senior Associate Dean in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology and Professor of Industrial Engineering

      cscherre@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-5413
      Q 329

  • Name
    Position
    • Professor of Mechanical Engineering

      psucosky@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-3158
      Q 103

  • Name
    Position
    • Associate Professor of Developmental Biology

      abryants@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-4919
      SL 4004

    • Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology

      bcarpe18@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-4998
      SL 4003

    • Assistant Vice President for Innovation and Commercialization and Associate Professor of Microbiology

      ccornel5@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-5115
      SC 519

    • Interim Chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Director of Special Programs and Associate Professor of Biology

      mgriff40@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6654
      SC 509

    • Assistant Professor of Microbiology

      ahaddow@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-2653
      SL 4008

    • Professor of Biology

      mhudso28@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-7558
      SL 4002

    • Associate Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

      djia@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6158
      SC 522

    • Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

      slee295@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-2794
      SL 3004

    • Professor of Biology

      kmensawi@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 568-3071
      SL 5060

    • Associate Vice President for Research Operations and Professor of Biology

      snowak@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-7777
      SL 4006

    • Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and Professor of Biology

      vsuppira@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6155
      SL 5002

    • Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

      jwardwel@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6158
      SC 525

    • Associate Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology

      myoshina@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-6604
      SC 503

  • Name
    Position
    • Assistant Professor of Psychology

      ehollid1@kennesaw.edu
      (470) 578-7820
      SO 4010