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ASPiRE-ND

Aspiring Scholar Program in Research Exploration

Jordan Cockfield presents her research at the 2020 3MT qualifying rounds.
Jordan Cockfield presents her research at the 2020 3MT qualifying rounds.

ASPiRE-ND is a program created to prepare recent college graduates who desire to pursue a Ph.D. degree in biomedical science who need more research experience to be accepted into competitive Ph.D. programs. The program offers research experiences in biochemistry, bioengineering, biological anthropology, biological sciences, chemistry, integrated biomedical sciences, and psychology.

ASPiRE-ND is designed to provide Fellows with the research experience, professional development, and life skills necessary to gain admission to and succeed in competitive biomedical and biomedical-related Ph.D. programs. To offer the best possible foundation in preparation for graduate school, we offer a structured, individualized, interactive (with both peers and mentors), positive, constructive, and supportive environment.

Fellows will participate in a three-part formal training program that emphasizes direct research experience, including:

  • An intensive hands-on position working as a research associate in a biomedical lab;
  • Skills-development workshops and enrichment activities that will also serve to build a strong cohort;
  • Participation in a unique community engagement activity focused on lead abatement in the local communities.

Deadline to apply: April 3, 2026

Program date: June 1, 2026–May 31, 2027

A logo for "ASPiRE-ND" featuring a dark blue square with rounded corners. "ASPiRE" is written in white, sans-serif, all-caps font at the top. Below it, "ND" is written in a larger, serif, golden-yellow, all-caps font.

Eligibility

Note: ASPiRE-ND is intended to be a one-year program and is primarily for participants interested in pursuing a Ph.D. If you plan to pursue an M.D., you are not eligible to participate.

To be eligible for the ASPiRE-ND program:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident to apply to the program.

  • Candidates must have a baccalaureate degree conferred in a biomedically relevant science from an accredited college or university awarded no more than 36 months prior to applying to ASPiRE-ND. Examples of relevant science programs include biochemistry, bioengineering, biological anthropology, biological sciences, chemistry, integrated biomedical sciences, and psychology.

  • All applicants must be from one of the following groups:
    • Individuals with physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; and/or
    • Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
    • Individuals who are the first generation in their family to attend college.
    • Individuals who come from a family with an annual income below established low-income thresholds.

Support

Each Fellow will receive an appointment as a research associate and pay of $32,500 for the period of the appointment (June 1, 2026–May 31, 2027). See our Cost of Living Comparison page to compare this stipend to equivalent incomes elsewhere in the US.

Contact

To find out more about the program, contact Jamila Lee-Johnson, assistant dean for inclusive excellence, at jleejohn@nd.edu or 574-631-2096.