Student Research Programs

The following programs are available for CSULB undergraduate and graduate students.

American Physical Society (APS) Bridge Program

The APS Bridge Program provides students with a Bachelor's degree the opportunity to be part of one of the largest Physics Master's program nationwide and prepares them to enter a Ph.D. program. Students from diverse backgrounds receive mentoring, research experiences and academic resources that empower them to thrive in the fields of Physics.

CSULB is one of only 5 Bridge sites in the US. The program is also supported by Google Inc. via 2-year fellowships and summer research assistantships. Applications are made through the American Physical Society's Bridge program website.

Bridges to the Doctorate (BTD)

The Bridges to the Doctorate (BTD) Training Program partners with University of California, Irvine to produce a seamless and supportive bridge to the Ph.D. for underrepresented and underserved California State University, Long Beach graduate students interested in biomedical research careers.

The program activities are designed to strengthen students' academic preparation, research training, and professional skills. M.S. students will complete a two-year Master's degree program at CSULB that culminates in the defense of a Master's research thesis.

Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD)

The CSULB BUILD Program offers intensive research training opportunities for undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in health-related research. Health-related research uses innovative methods to examine the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases to improve health and well-being. It is conducted across a number of different disciplines (e.g., engineering and the behavioral, biological, clinical, physical, public health and social sciences) and can include basic, applied and translational approaches to studying several health issues. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), BUILD is committed to providing exceptional research and skills training to the next generation of scientists in order to advance scientific knowledge and technology contributing to the improvement of every individual's health in the U.S., as well as around the world.

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)

Sponsored by the NSF Foundation the goal of CSULB LSAMP is to enhance math and science skills for minority students majoring in science, technology, mathematics and engineering to enable them to successfully complete their academic degree program towards careers in the STEM disciplines. This program involves a cooperative effort between CSULB and Cerritos College, and includes a three-week summer workshop designed to prepare students for enrollment in calculus during the upcoming academic year and to support student involvement in activities that enhance graduate school readiness.

Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM)

The Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program is a partnership between California State University, Long Beach and The Ohio State University. As an NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), we are dedicated to increasing recruitment, retention, and degree attainment for underrepresented groups in materials research, and supporting excellent research and education endeavors.

PREM provides mentoring, guidance, and training for undergraduate and master's students for careers in Material Science via cutting edge research and educational opportunities. Students participate in highly interdisciplinary materials research projects incorporating physics, chemistry, mathematics, and mechanical engineering.

Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE)

Sponsored by a grant from the NIH, the RISE program aims to increase the interest, skills, and competitiveness of students in pursuit of biomedical research careers. Two distinct programs exist to meet the unique academic needs and professional demands of the biomedical research field.

Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE)

The Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program is funded through a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The program aims to increase diversity in future scientific and biomedical research by identifying students interested in pursuing research as a career and by providing training opportunities to be competitive for entering graduate programs. This training includes mentored research, an off-campus summer research experience (8-12 weeks), professional development workshops, graduate school preparation, and conference support.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)

UROP is a one-year program that offers first and second-year students the chance to participate in the research and creative process with faculty. Applications are submitted online. Once students have been admitted and have met with a UROP advisor at the August enrollment seminar, they will begin searching for a research project among UROP's list of faculty research sponsors and projects. Students are encouraged to look broadly for projects and keep an open mind when reviewing project listings.

Fall Semester

Students who are admitted to the program attend a one-unit research seminar (UNIV 296) during the Fall semester to learn about: research methods, research ethics, cutting edge research, and skill building topics, such as writing for research purposes, how to conduct a literature review, effective library use, and an introduction to using computers and technology to support research.

Spring Semester

In Spring, students conduct research or creative work with a faculty member and present their research at the CSULB Student Research Symposium. They also enroll in an advanced research seminar (UNIV 297) that focuses on supporting successful research placements, career exploration and major preparation and success.

Contact CNSM Research

Associate Dean for Research