Biology Research Awards for BIPOC Students in Summer 2023
*BIPOC = Black, Indigenous, and People of colour
The Biology Department is offering up to five (5) Awards for the Summer of 2023 for BSc or BA&Sc McGill Undergraduate students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and or People of Colour (BIPOC). These are full-time, 15-week awards that will place students in a lab or field setting to conduct hands-on research under the supervision of McGill Biology Professors. Students do not need to have any prior research experience, and help will be provided to find a successful match with a research group based on research interests. If in-person research is not possible because of the Covid-19 pandemic, remote research options will be pursued instead. Recipients will receive a stipend of $7,500. These awards are available to both Canadian and international students. This is the continuation of a pilot program, which we hope will be supported in subsequent academic years. Recipients will be expected to remain in touch with organizers and participate in follow-up surveys after their award. Collection of data about the diversity of our application pool increases our ability to monitor our progress, and recognize and remove barriers. Because a portion of the funding for these awards comes from McGill’s Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism, we encourage self-identification for applicants. Demographic data will be kept private and anonymous.
Evaluation: Students will submit the following material for evaluation:
1. Completed application form
2. 1-page essay (see below)
3. Unofficial transcript
4. Optional: “Other information” section, including anything the candidate wants the evaluation committee to know, and could address things like degree interruptions, low GPA, etc. (up to a half page long).
Essay Students should address the following:
- A brief introduction focusing on the lived experiences of the student, barriers or challenges that they may have faced or overcome to bring them to McGill, and why they are interested in pursuing Summer Research in Biology.
- A section outlining and explaining the student’s research interests and any research groups in Biology that they might be interested in working in. Please consult: https://www.mcgill.ca/biology/research
- A brief explanation of the level of commitment and motivation the student can make to conducting research this summer.
These awards are not based solely on GPA, but rather on lived experiences and the student’s interest and motivation for pursuing research. There is no strict GPA cut-off, and students with lower GPAs are encouraged to apply, and may use the optional “Other information” section to explain their academic path. Preference will be given to U1 and U2 students, but all Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply.
Value: Students will receive stipends of $7,500, and are expected to work full-time for 15 weeks during the summer of 2023 (typically starting in early May).
More Information: The Biology department is hosting an information session February 13, 2023, 7pm, on Zoom (register here: https://forms.office.com/r/iNy3pKYtxd). Students can ask questions directly to the evaluation committee during that event. Questions can also be directed to: edi.biology [at] mcgill.ca
Deadline: Students must submit all required material on the application page by 5 pm on March 6, 2023. Recipients will be notified by late March, and students will be matched with labs in early April. Summer research is expected to begin in early May 2023, as agreed upon between the student and the professor with whom they are working.