Duke Diversity in STEM (DiSTEM) Conference Award
Participation in undergraduate research allows a student to engage more deeply in their chosen field of interest, helping them to develop a sense of belonging within a university setting. It is also important for student trainees to develop a sense of researcher identity, where they believe they are researchers and have confidence in their skill set. This is particularly significant for students from backgrounds who have historically been excluded from scientific spaces.
One of the ways that URS is working to promote a sense of researcher identity is by providing an opportunity for students to attend and present their research at a conference aimed towards supporting the scientific development of students from marginalized groups.
The DiSTEM Conference Award will cover registration, travel, meals and accommodations for the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists, a meeting founded “to encourage minority, first-generation, veteran, and disabled students to pursue higher education in STEM.”
This year’s ABRCMS event will take place November 13-16 in Pittsburgh, PA and the DiSTEM Conference Award aims to provide support for a small group of Duke undergraduate students to attend this conference.
Please note that the DiSTEM application is independent of submitting your abstract to ABRCMS, and the DiSTEM award is not contingent on your abstract being accepted to present. It is not necessary that you have submitted your abstract to ABRCMS when applying for the DiSTEM award. You can submit your abstract to ABRCMS if you are planning to attend regardless of whether you receive the DiSTEM award. Please also note that we are planning to help students that receive the DiSTEM award with the abstract submission process.
What Disciplines are Appropriate for Presenting at ABRCMS?
The following disciplines are represented at ABRCMS:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Computational and Systems Biology
- Developmental Biology and Genetics
- Engineering, Physics and Mathematics
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Physiology and Pharmacology
- Social and Behavioral Sciences and Public Health
ABRCMS Deadlines:
- ABRCMS Travel Award Deadline: August 26
- Abstract Deadline: 11:59 pm PT on September 6
- Abstract and Travel Award Dispositions: September 27
Because we have limited funding to take students to this conference, we also encourage students to apply for the ABRCMS Travel Award in addition to applying for Duke's DiSTEM Conference Award. For more info on how to apply, please visit the ABRCMS Travel Award webpage.
URS DiSTEM Conference Award Overview
Duke Internal Deadlines:
- Application DiSTEM Conference Award Opens: July 31
- Application Deadline: August 16
- Notification by September 3
NOTE: Travel to this conference will not be an officially excused absence from classes or assignments!
DiSTEM Conference Award Review Criteria:
- Motivation for attending ABRCMS
- Letter of Recommendation from Mentor
- Prioritize students who want to present
- Prioritize students who are doing research
Note: A student is eligible to receive this grant only once; therefore, consider when would be the best time in your Duke career to attend!
Application
Submissions for the 2024 DiSTEM Conference Award is now closed.