Bridges To Stem Cell Research (BSCR)

BSCR Program Overview

Stem cell research is one of the fastest growing segments within medicine and biotechnology. The Bridges to Stem Cell Research (BSCR) program trains the next generation of undergraduate researchers to advance the field by learning the fundamental skills through a 7-month curriculum at CSUF. These students then complete a 12-month (Jan-Dec), full-time, paid internship at our partnering institutions: CalTech, SBP, Stanford, UCI, UCLA, USC or biotech companies. California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) hopes for students trained in stem cell research to enter the workforce at all levels, including research technicians, PhD, MD, DDS, MBA, etc. 

Requirements

Biology students must be enrolled in (or have completed) BIOL 302 and either BIOL 303 or BIOL 309. Biochemistry students must be enrolled in (or have completed) CHEM 421 or CHEM 423A. Successful candidates are likely to have a good conceptual understanding of cell and molecular biology, be recommended by their instructors, and have demonstrable interest in stem cell biology. Prior research experience is not required to be accepted into this program.

Our Goal

To prepare ten undergraduate Stem Cell Scholars through hands-on research experience and a selected set of courses.

BSCR Program Curriculum

• During the 7-month training at CSUF, students will complete many activities and courses. See the complete list on the Timeline tab.

BSCR Program Academic Benefits

• Expertise in Stem Cell Research
• Academic advancement and scholarly gains
• Possibility of additional/stronger recommendation letters for the BSCR Scholar (intern)
• Courses apply to B.S. in Biology (C&D, MBB)

BSCR Program Financial Support

• Stipends of $3,000/month during the internship: from January to December, 2026; total: $36,000/year.
• Tuition reimbursement of $4,000/semester during the internship: for Spring and Fall, 2026.
• All of the summer 2025 courses, conference, and workshops are paid for by the BSCR program.
• Students are required to pay for their full-time enrollment during fall 2025 semester.
• It is highly recommended that you do not work during 2025 so that you can develop as a stem cell researcher.

These benefits may impact your Financial Aid and Income Tax liability.

BSCR Program Selection

Successful students will have:

• Completed at least one of these courses: BIOL 302, BIOL 303, BIOL 309, CHEM 421 or CHEM 423A
• Demonstrable interest in stem cell research (Application and Interview)
• Able to discuss scientific method and basic cell and molecular biology (Interview)
• Integration of stem cell research into your career goals is desired (Interview)
• Prior research experience is not needed!
• We do not use GPA for cut-offs
• PhD as a career goal is not a requirement