Overview
The NUTGAP program seeks to provide FVSU and SSU undergraduates with experience that will prepare them for graduate study in nutritional biology. The program consists of two major components:
- academic year preparation
- summer research and mentoring
In addition, NUTGAP includes:
- research presentations both at the end of the summer and optionally at ABRCMS, with travel paid by NUTGAP;
- follow-up mentoring for students who have completed the NUTGAP program, with the goal of admission to a strong doctoral program in nutritional biology.
Academic year preparation
In the NUTGAP academic year program, we seek to promote research collaborations between UC Davis and faculty from our partner campuses, Fort Valley State University and Savannah State University; and to prepare students for summer research with mentors at UC Davis.
Fall visit to Fort Valley State University and Savannah State University
A visit by UC Davis faculty and grad students will give FVSU and SSU undergraduates a feel for the spectrum of research in nutritional biology at UC Davis. In addition, informal discussion groups will enable undergraduates to ask specific questions about research opportunities, the graduate school application process, and options for gaining additional experience prior to applying for graduate study.
Apply!
Current FVSU and SSU sophomores and juniors can apply to NUTGAP, due on 15 November. We strive to notify applicants of their status by early December.
February through May
Monthly videoconferences between NUTGAP scholars and UC Davis mentors will help introduce students to the scientific questions that they will investigate and prepare them for summer research.
Summer research and mentoring
Summer research lies at the heart of the NUTGAP program.
From mid-June to early August, NUTGAP scholars will engage in full-time original research with UC Davis faculty and graduate students, gaining new skills and intellectual independence along the way.
During their first week in Davis, NUTGAP students will undergo laboratory training led by Program Director Gerardo Mackenzie. During these sessions, students will hone fundamental skills in research. This encounter will also serve as a good opportunity to get to know other cohort members.
Subsequently, NUTGAP scholars will join students from UC Davis’ other STEM UC-HBCU Initiative and REU programs in weekly sessions in professional development that focus on career development. As part of this program, scholars will interact with current UC Davis graduate students and faculty in panel discussions, and have the option to write drafts of statements of purpose and personal histories for graduate applications.
In addition, NUTGAP scholars will participate in a nutritional biology journal club, and may elect to take workshops in science communication and the scripting language R.
Summer will close with a research symposium in which summer research scholars present their work to their peers, UC Davis faculty and graduate students, and others.
Last, but not least, mentors will remain in contact with summer scholars during their senior year and beyond to guide preparation of applications for graduate programs and co-advise honors theses and preparation of publications of research results.
Important logistical details
The NUTGAP program includes....
- a summer stipend of $5500
- expenses of travel to Davis
- summer housing and meals. Housing will be in UC Davis residence halls, co-located with scholars from UC Davis’ other STEM UC-HBCU Initiative and REU programs.
- in keeping with UC Davis' bike-friendly culture, all scholars will receive a rented bicycle to facilitate getting around the campus and town.