Summer 2023 BLaST Undergraduate Research Experience funding opportunity

BLaST Scholar Michelle Quillin collecting juvenile Chinook salmon on the Chena River.
Photo courtesy of S. Adams Photography
BLaST Scholar Michelle Quillin collecting juvenile Chinook salmon on the Chena River.

Since 2014, the Biomedical Learning and Student Training, or BLaST, program at UAF has supported undergraduates and scientists from all biomedical fields through its funding opportunities.

The Biomedical Learning and Student Training program invites students to apply to earn up to $5,000 to conduct research in summer 2023. These awards may be used to cover hourly wages, tuition, travel, supplies and services. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Feb. 26 by midnight. To learn more, visit the .

If you need help filling out your application or finding a project or mentor, contact us at uaf-blast@alaska.edu or 907-474-5111.

WHO: Current UAF, UAS, APU, Iḷisaġvik College, Diné College, Salish Kootenai College, and Fort Lewis College undergraduates
WHAT: BLaST Undergraduate Research Experience awards funding opportunity up to $5,000 for the Summer 2023 semester
WHEN: Applications opened Jan. 30 and are due Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 by midnight
APPLY AT: , a pdf is available of application questions, and please check for eligibility requirements
REQUIREMENTS: Eligible students must have an interest in biomedical or One Health research; have a faculty mentor at their campus; and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
DETAILS: Applications are being accepted for the BLaST Summer 2023 Undergraduate Research Experience until Feb. 26, 2023. BLaST engages students from diverse backgrounds in education and training for biomedical research careers, with an emphasis on students from rural Alaska and partners. Current and prospective undergraduate students from Fort Lewis College, Salish Kootenai College, Diné College, Alaska Pacific University, Iḷisaġvik College, all UAS and UAF campuses, from all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds are invited to apply. To be eligible for a BLaST Undergraduate Research Experience, students must meet certain criteria, including having the following:

  • An interest in biomedical or One Health research
  • A faculty mentor at their campus, and
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher

The BLaST URE award is up to $5,000 for Summer 2023. Awards can be budgeted for research supplies and services, travel, and student salary (hourly compensation for a maximum of 40 hours a week). Your faculty must agree to your project proposal before submission and fill out the mentor confirmation form online.

Information about requirements, a link to the online application, and COVID considerations can be found on the BLaST website. A PDF version of the application is also available to help you prepare your proposal. For more information, please email uaf-blast@alaska.edu.