Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Applying to Pathway to the PhD

students in the lab

The Pathway to the PhD (P2P) program is a 3-week mentored, hands-on, research-intensive experience for juniors and sophomores that runs during the January break for UMass Boston undergraduates interested in careers in biomedical research.

For 2026, the program will run from January 5 to January 23.

Admission is by application using our online application.

Deadline

The application deadline for the current year is September 29, 2025 by 2:00PM.

Online Application

Apply using our online application.

Preference given to juniors and sophomores; freshmen are not eligible.

Required Application Documents

  • one letter of recommendation from a faculty member who knows you, although submitting two letters of recommendation will strengthen your application
  • a personal statement covering your interest in biomedical research and the P2P program, career goals, relevant experience
  • a GPA of 3.2 and above is recommended but not required

P2P applicants will be notified by November 7, 2025. Applicants who are offered a position should respond to accept the position by November 12, 2025.

Immunizations & Health Records Documentation

To participate in P2P, students need to be cleared by Tufts Medical Center Employee Health Services with respect to immunization and health records. Accepted students will be contacted by Employee Health Services and will need documentation of flu vaccination (within 3 months of the January program) and COVID documentation along with other immunization records. A list of customary immunizations can be found on the program application. Employee Health confirm all that will be needed. 

Immunization and health records for accepted students should be ready for review by November 12, 2025 and all students must be cleared by Employee Health by 12/17/2025 to join the program.

Additional Information

For information on the P2P program, contact Aimee Shen, PhD, Program Director.

For information on the application process contact or Kimberly Burke, Program Administrator or  Marlene Jreaswec, Program Manager