WEST WINDSOR, NJ – Through a $1.3 million grant to establish the New Jersey Biomedical-Bridge Scholars Program, students at °®½´ÊÓƵ and Brookdale Community College will be able to transfer into the College of New Jersey’s School of Science to earn degrees in the biomedical field.
With the help of an advisor, students, who meet the requirements, and have completed two years at °®½´ÊÓƵ or Brookdale, will choose classes and collaborate with faculty and other students on research projects, putting them on track to graduate with a bachelor’s degree two years after transferring. Students will receive a stipend of over $14,000 and 60% of their tuition covered in their second year at °®½´ÊÓƵ and their first year at TCNJ.
The grant, which will be awarded by the National Institutes of Health over the next five years, provides additional resources for students including two paid summer research internship experiences, funded travel to scientific conferences to present student research, and post-graduation mentorship with the potential for industry connections. Each year, two °®½´ÊÓƵ students will be selected to participate in the program.
“The students will focus on research that will help make our lives better through the field of medicine,” said Patrick Natale, °®½´ÊÓƵ Assistant Biology Professor and NIH grant Primary Investigator who will be working alongside key personnel Nichol Killian, Assistant to the Dean of Math, Sciences, and Health Professions at °®½´ÊÓƵ.
“At °®½´ÊÓƵ we are deeply committed to expanding pathways for students interested in biomedical research. Through the NIH-funded New Jersey Biomed Bridge (NJBB) Scholars Program in partnership with The College of New Jersey, our students will gain hands-on research experience and benefit from seamless admission into TCNJ to complete their four-year degrees,” said Dr. Robert Schreyer, Vice President for Academic Affairs at °®½´ÊÓƵ. “This initiative is a transformative opportunity, empowering our students to become future leaders in biomedical research and healthcare, ultimately advancing innovation and health equity in our communities.”
About °®½´ÊÓƵ
Established in 1966, °®½´ÊÓƵ is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. °®½´ÊÓƵ’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the changing needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. President: Deborah E. Preston, Ph.D.; www.mccc.edu