Welcome
The Minority Biomedical Research Support (MBRS) program was established as National Institute of Health (NIH) Program in 1971 to increase biomedical scientists and health professionals among Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaskans and Hawaiian Natives. Funding for the program was first provided in 1972. The Wayne State University MBRS program was instituted in the fall of 1978 and has the distinction of being the only one in the State of Michigan. MBRS now known as IMSD (Initiative for Maximizing Student Development) is a program designed to stimulate and facilitate the progress of minority students towards careers in biomedical research. The program had both undergraduate and graduate students but in the current funding cycle the program provides support for graduate students only for a maximum of two years.
Graduate students must apply to the department of their choice. Once accepted into a graduate program they must adhere to the requirements of their respective department. Graduate students are required to attend and make presentations at the monthly IMSD seminar series. MSD program also encourages graduate students to attend national meetings.
IMSD Program also sponsors Annual Wayne State University Minority Programs Research Day where students present their research project results in the form of poster presentation. Students from other minority programs are also invited to participate. This gives the students an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss their research projects with fellow students. The research day is very well attended by faculty and students from all departments.
Since 1978 IMSD/MBRS Program has supported a total of 604 (undergraduate and graduate) students. 355 of the undergraduate students have gone on to complete B.S. or B.A. degrees, 56 students have obtained M.S. degree and 67 have gone on to complete Ph.D. degree. Currently the IMSD Program is supporting 10 graduate students.
Graduate students support includes a salary of at least $ 20,000/yr plus tuition and travel support.
Program Director: Dr. Joseph C. Dunbar
Phone: 577-5600
Program Coordinator: Dr. Rasheeda S. Zafar
Phone: 577-4199
Fax: 577-5380
rzafar@med.wayne.edu