UC Doctoral Diversity Initiative (DDI)

Program Summary

UC-DDI Trainees will commit to outreach activities in the Spring semester, including routine meetings to develop and refine their presentations. Trainees will also commit to developing a presentation/poster; applying to present; and attend the annual SACNAS conference. Alternative conferences including ABRCMS, NSBE, and others may be considered.

Resources Provided

UC-DDI trainees receive the following financial support. Please note that all resources detailed are for the 2024 Program Year:

1. Contribution towards GSR salary with associated benefits contribution
2. Contribution towards GSR-ship: tuition and fees
3. Travel stipend in support of attending and presenting at the annual SACNAS conference.
4. Shared transportation or travel stipend in support of outreach activities at CSU campuses

Eligibility Criteria

1. Predoctoral student pursuing a Ph.D. and who have committed to a UCSC research member are eligible to apply.
2. Please discuss with your advisor to ensure that your current funding source(s) are compatible with the duties and funding associated with the UC-DDI program.
3. Applicants DO NOT need to be currently affiliated with the IBSC or engaged in stem cell research
4. Applicants should have a (1) desire to pursue an academic career; (2) desire and commitment to build and enhance inclusive environments; and (3) desire to engage with mentees and mentors.

Selection Process

1. Applications are reviewed on an annual basis based on the statements provided communicating anticipated/perceived benefit of the program.

Program Requirements

1. Undergraduate Outreach
   1. Trainees will develop short presentations discussing their journey to graduate school; current research; and what it is like in the life of a Ph.D. student. Trainees will attend practice sessions (3-4) in advance of their CSU Campus visits and presentations in support of receiving constructive criticism and feedback on their presentations.
   2. Trainees will travel to two (2) CSU campuses and present to undergraduate students as part of the UC-DDI recruitment effort.
2. SACNAS Conference
   1. Trainees will develop and submit a poster or short oral presentation for the annual Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference.
   2. Trainees will register and attend the annual SACNAS conference

2024 Dates: TBD

Program Summary

Graduate students embark on additional education after college graduation, conduct captivating research and engage in teaching/mentoring, but postpone their entry into “regular” jobs. Graduate students, like everyone else, rely on their family for support (emotional and otherwise). For some families, especially those who did not pursue a graduate career, relating to the graduate student endeavor may be easier after visiting the research environment and meeting “their” student’s colleagues and advisors.

The UC-DDI Family Science weekend, sponsored by HHMI, facilitates the families of 10-15 UCSC Predoctoral graduate students to visit Santa Cruz and the UCSC campus as part of a Family Science Weekend. Families spend two (2) nights in accommodations close to campus and enjoy presentations given by their, and other Predoctoral students on their research; tours of the labs; tours of campus; and group social events.

Program Requirements

1. Participating Predoctoral trainees will commit to developing a short presentation communicating their research and its significance to a lay-audience.
2. Trainees commit to participating in the weekend-long event (Friday through Sunday) including group breakfasts; research presentations; lab and campus tours; attending career talks (given by UCSC faculty); and group dinners.

Resources Provided

1. Travel funds in support of two (2) family members including airfare, lodging, and airport transportation.
2. Meals and transportation throughout the Family Science Weekend.