Queens College students have continued to expand their scientific research capabilities with the help of the Minorities Access to Research Centers (MARC) program.
Biology professor Dr. Zahra Zakeri explained how happy she was about having the MARC program at QC.
“I wrote many grants to have this [MARC] program at QC, so of course I’m happy about it,” said Zakeri. “This is an excellent program. It's a means to work [in biological research], and provides guidance to do the work.”
The MARC program consists of two sub-programs. The pre-MARC program is designed to motivate freshmen and sophomores about biological sciences. The MARC program is geared toward juniors and seniors who are already committed to the program and want to further advance their careers in biomedical research. Both programs take as many as 12 students each year.
Participants in the program attend workshops, keep logs of their research and work on thesis projects.
Erica Rodriguez, QC junior, has been studying cell death and neurogenesis in zebra finches. With the help of the MARC program, she is now able to advance her research efforts and long-term goals.
“Winning the award was a great boost of confidence in what I’m pursuing in my research,” said Rodriguez. “It’s helped me figure out what profession I want to go into; I’m looking more towards biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.”
Students start their journey of biological research at the end of their junior years.
Jamar Whaley, QC senior, majoring in psychology and neuroscience, completed a research program funded by MARC this past summer at Yale University.
“The MARC program explores avenues that would have not been there for me,” said Whaley, who had not heard about the program before applying.
After taking part in the program, Whaley characterizes MARC as going “above and beyond,” because of the faculty and others who helped him along the way.
Other students, like Whaley, have gone on to do research in different universities, and even different countries.
QC senior Andrew Hillman, majoring in nutrition and exercise sciences, recently completed a research program in Thailand. Hillman noted that the program helps minorities, who he feels are underrepresented in the world of scientific research.
“This is alarming when researching a specific disease or disorder that has been shown to be more prevalent in minority populations,” said Hillman. “The MARC program allows minorities exposure to the research that others like them [minorities] lack, thus increasing their chances of getting into graduate school.”
Students who continue in this program after graduation not only receive fellowships and funds to continue their research, but can also continue to achieve a combined degree of MD-PhD in biomedical research.
To apply, students must have a 3.0 GPA and submit two letters of recommendation from professors, along with a short summary of why they are applying.
To find out more about the MARC program, visit Dr. Zakeri in room E-110 of the New Science Building.
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