The Institute for Strategic Enhancement
of Educational Diversity (iSEED)
of Educational Diversity (iSEED)
About the iSEED Graduate Scholars Program
Competitive funding will be offered to a select number of exceptional first year PhD students traditionally underrepresented in the STEM fields within the participating schools.
Application Process
- There is not a separate application for the iSEED Graduate Scholars program.
- Prospective PhD students interested in becoming an iSEED Graduate scholar should first apply to a PhD program within one of the 7 participating schools at UB, by visiting their websites and following specific instructions.
- If you are part of the McNair Scholars program, you're eligible to receive an application fee waiver; other students may contact the chair of their prospective department regarding fee waivers.
- Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship recipients receive an invitation to become an iSEED Graduate Scholar.
Personal Statement
- When discussing your career goals in your personal statement, mention your interest in and reasons for becoming an iSEED scholar.
- Potential iSEED Graduate Scholars are then nominated by the participating PhD programs once they have been accepted to their program.
Professional Development
- iSEED Graduate Scholars will participate in professional development workshops once enrolled in their PhD program.
- As part of the professional development workshops, iSEED Graduate Scholars will have the opportunity to invite a prestigious guest speaker to campus each year.
- iSEED Graduate Scholars include Schomburg Fellowship recipients, PhD students in the Communities of Excellence and the participating and partner schools, such as College of Arts and Science, Graduate School of Education, Roswell Park Cancer Institute Graduate Division, School of Dental Medicine, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Public Health and Health Professions.
Mentoring
- iSEED Graduate Scholars will be paired with a faculty mentor within their field.
- Faculty mentors will closely monitor their student's academic performance by periodically reviewing progress in coursework and making sure graduate program requirements are met.
- Faculty mentors will closely monitor their student's academic performance by periodically reviewing progress in coursework and making sure graduate program requirements are met.
- Peer Mentors will help new iSEED Graduate Scholars with issues related to relocation to the Buffalo area, including finding accommodations in accessible/safe places, navigating and adjusting to a new scientific and local culture, and providing academic and emotional support.