The BME Research Scholars Academy (RSA) is designed for a highly selective group of biomedical engineering undergraduates, who, based on their demonstrated academic record and/or research potential, are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in an accelerated research program at Rutgers. It is anticipated that most RSA members will go on to further graduate and/or professional training after graduation. Typically, entering junior students in high standing apply during August, and the selected students are inducted into the RSA by September. The RSA entails a number of activities, benefits and responsibilities. These are listed below:
- Academy members are matched with faculty research advisors. Applicants must take initiative and seek out a faculty advisor with whom to conduct research. Research is expected to commence no later than September of the junior year. Academy members are expected to complete four semesters of academic-year research and one summer of research. The research advisor will bear the responsibilities for and expenses of the research training program, including over the summer.
- Bi-monthly meetings of the RSA students and faculty are conducted, featuring a wide range of themes, including scientific skill development, responsible research practices, tours of preeminent local laboratories, academic and nonacademic research careers, and attendance at regional scientific conferences.
- The RSA members are expected to present their research results to one another during monthly meetings once per year, and publicly during their junior year at a RSA Poster Session held in conjunction with the Senior Design Conference.
- The RSA members are expected to apply for summer fellowships during their junior year. During the senior year, Academy members intending on applying to graduate schools are expected to apply for the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). Academy members intending on applying to medical schools are expected to apply for at least one scholarship for medical school.
- Academy members are expected to submit an abstract to a scientific conference, such as the Biomedical Engineering Society Annual meeting.
- Academy members are highly encouraged to sign up for the Slade Scholar thesis program and develop an undergraduate research thesis during the Senior Year. Those who do so will be declared as Slade Scholars during their graduation ceremonies.
- The RSA members will sign up for research credits using the junior year sequence (125:489/490) and senior year sequence (125:493/494). They can count up to six credits of Advanced BME Research (125:493/494) toward their BME technical electives or BME departmental electives. In addition, Honors Academy members can count a maximum of three credits of Junior Honors Academy Research (125:489/490) toward their technical electives.
If interested in joining the RSA, students will be informed on how to apply.