UC LEADS
STEM Undergraduate Research Program
The University of California Leadership Excellence for Advanced DegreeS (UC LEADS) program prepares promising undergraduate students for advanced education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This program is designed to identify upper-division UCSD undergraduate students with the potential to succeed in these disciplines, but who have experienced situations or conditions that have adversely impacted their advancement in their field of study. In addition, this program provides students with undergraduate educational experiences that will prepare them to assume positions of leadership in industry, government, public service, and academia following completion of a STEM graduate degree.
Once chosen as UC LEADS scholars, the students embark upon a program of scientific research and graduate school preparation. Scholars are provided with an excellent opportunity to explore their discipline, experience a research environment, and improve their opportunities for future study in their chosen field. Each scholar is mentored by a member of the UC faculty, who assists the student in designing a plan of research and enrichment activities fitted to the individual interests and academic goals of the scholar.
Program Components & Benefits
- Paid summer research experiences, at UC San Diego and at other UC campuses
- Graduate school preparation and advising
- Travel funding to attend professional meetings or scientific conferences
- Membership to a professional society
- Poster presentations at the annual UC LEADS Research and Leadership Symposium
- Application fee waivers to UC graduate programs
- Leadership development
- Opportunity to meet other students interested in STEM on campus but also across the UC system
- GRE preparation
- Potential source of letters of recommendation
- NEW! UC LEADS Fellowship for Graduate School at University of California Campuses
Application for the 2025 Cohort had closed.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for selection, applicants must be:
- Enrolled in a UC undergraduate degree program in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) major
- Interested in research (note: you do not have to have previous research experience to apply to this program)
- Seasoned UC sophomores or rising junior standing with two more full academic years until graduation (Students who have recently transferred from a community college with less than two years until graduation are encouraged to apply)
- Intent to pursue a PhD and/or Master programs in a STEM field
- In good academic standing in undergraduate degree program with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Able to demonstrate potential for success in a graduate program
- U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents; AB540 students are also eligible to apply
All eligible students are encouraged to apply. The UC LEADS program does not consider race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories as part of the application and selection process.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel that might consist of staff, faculty, and graduate students. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview with staff and current scholars. Applicants will be evaluated based on a holistic review process of their applications, education/career goals, and aspirations.
2024 Scholars
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Patrick Joseph Smith | Microbiology Major |
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Thomas Frisch | Biochemistry Major |
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Xinyi Zhang | Biology Major in Bioinformatics |
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Edrian Kabiling | Chemical Engineering Major |
2023 Scholars
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Anetzy Bermudez Torales | Biochemistry Major |
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Runpeng Jian | Computer Science Major |
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Tin Nguyen | Molecular and Cell Biology / Mechanical Engineering Major |
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Savannah Rhoades | Chemical Engineering Major |
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Leanna Rondon | Biology Major |
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Michelle Diaz Gomez | Cogn & Behavioral Neuroscience Major |
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Anna Nguyen | Mechanical Engineering Major |
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Julian Ramirez | Mechanical Engineering Major |
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Edwin Ruiz | Cognitive Science/Machine Learning and Neural Computation Major |
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Marissa Todesco | Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Major |
Past Scholars
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Vicky Chen | Biochemistry Major |
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Claire Wellenkamp | Marine Biology Major |
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Ali Kattee | Mechanical Engineering Major |
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Jessica de la Torre | Mechanical Engineering Major |
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Andrew Oabel | Computer Science Major |
FAQ
- If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
- Please contact the program coordinator Edgar at eabeas@ucsd.edu
- Can I do summer school or take summer courses and do this program?
- Unfortunately no, you'll be required to do 35 hours a week of a faculty mentored research experience during the summer.
- I already have a UCSD faculty research mentor that I've been working with, can I still apply to this program?
- Yes
- I am a freshmen or senior, can I still apply?
- Per our statewide efforts, every year we recruit sophomores or new transfer juniors to our program.
- Will we have an opportunity to present our research?
- Yes, every summer scholars do a 15 minute oral presentation and then a research poster presentation in March.
Contact
Please direct questions to:
Edgar Beas
UC LEADS Campus Coordinator
ucleads@ucsd.edu
Proposition 209 Compliance
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories. All programs and initiatives coordinated by the University of California Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs are designed and implemented in full compliance with Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy.
More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.
More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.