Cal State L.A. - MBRS-RISE Program

Minority Biomedical Research Support-Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (MBRS-RISE) Program

The MBRS-RISE Program is designed for talented and motivated students interested in developing professional careers as research scientists. It provides support for research participation and career enhancement of freshman-through-senior undergraduates, and graduate students pursuing the masters degree, with the expectation that student participants will pursue education to the Ph.D. following graduation from Cal State LA.

The two components of MBRS-RISE are:

  • RISE-Undergraduate Application
    Research-based enhancement of the undergraduate experience
  • RISE M.S.-to-Ph.D. Application
    Collaborative MS-to-Ph.D. programs between Cal State LA and UCLA, UC Irvine, UC San Diego and the University of Southern California

The MBRS program has provided support for students and faculty at Cal State LA since 1973. During this time, more than 700 students have participated and have used the Program to further their academic and professional careers. MBRS student research has resulted in the publication of nearly 500 journal articles. Program graduates have earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in a range of biomedical disciplines, and combined research/clinician degrees such as the M.D.-Ph.D. MBRS has been a part of the success of generations of students. In recent years the retention of students to graduation has been better than 90%, compared to less than 40% nationwide for science undergraduates.

MBRS-RISE Program Administration

Dr. Krishna Foster
Co-Director, Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) Programs
Director, Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Program
Annenberg Science Complex Wing B 222E
(323) 343-2309
e-mail: kfoster@calstatela.edu

Dr. Carlos Gutierrez
Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) Programs Founding Director
Annenberg Science Complex Wing B 221C
(323) 343-2356
e-mail: cgutier@exchange.calstatela.edu

Dr. Linda Tunstad
Co-Director, Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) Programs
Director, MARC USTAR and Bridges to the Future Programs
Annenberg Science Complex Wing B 222D
(323) 343-2307
e-mail: ltunsta@calstatela.edu

Lisa Bautista
MBRS-RISE Administrative Assistant
MORE Programs Office
Biological Sciences 160
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8202
(323) 343-2395 Fax (323) 343-6411
e-mail: lbautis3@calstatela.edu

Karla Gatiglio
MBRS-RISE Program Assistant
MORE Programs Office
Biological Sciences 160
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8202
(323) 343-2395 Fax (323) 343-6411
e-mail: kcarias@cslanet.calstatela.edu

Alicia Tunstad
MORE Programs Assistant
Biological Sciences 160
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8202
(323) 343-2395 Fax (323) 343-6411
e-mail:atunsta5@calstatela.edu

Research Training Faculty

Twenty-five laboratories under the direction of the training faculty are available for the conduct of research. A list of these research principal investigators and a brief description of their research interests is given at MBRS Research Training Faculty. These faculty members are among the best teacher-scholars at the University.

Biomedical Sciences Seminars

The MBRS-RISE Program, MARC-USTAR, and both Bridges to the Future Programs jointly host a weekly seminar series each Friday afternoon of the academic year. The schedule of seminars during the current term are presented online at the Biomedical Sciences Seminars.

Publications by MBRS Students and Faculty The high quality and quantity of research performed by MBRS-RISE students and faculty have resulted in the publication of nearly 500 professional journal articles. The list of these with full bibliographic citation is presented online at Publications by MBRS Students and Faculty.