CAMP Science Program

PURPOSE
The objective of the UCSD California Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP) in Science, Engineering and Mathematics program is to provide support and advancement opportunities to ethnically underrepresented (African American, Mexican American, Latino, American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Native Pacific Islander) students who are seeking bachelor's degrees in chemistry, physics, cognitive science, biology, other sciences, mathematics, engineering and technology. We also encourage and prepare students to pursue advanced degrees in these fields. The CAMP Science program offers events and services designed to meet the needs of a culturally and intellectually diverse student community, who are at different places on their educational paths. Participation in activities and events is voluntary, but highly encouraged. For information on CAMP at other UC campuses see the CAMP Statewide website.

ELIGIBILITY
CAMP serves underrepresented minorities (African Americans, Chicanos, Latinos, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Pacific Islanders) majoring in mathematics, engineering, chemistry, physics, biology or other sciences, who are permanent residents or U.S. citizens. There are no GPA or class level requirements to join CAMP.

ENROLLMENT
The CAMP enrollment form is available online and in Adobe Acrobat format.  Click here to download the enrollment form or click here to fill out the online form. [The form is secure; click on Continue to this website (not recommended)]

ACTIVITIES

CAMP Summer Research Program
The CAMP Summer Research Program is an eight-week, full-time research experience. Students work as research assistants on projects that are supervised by a faculty mentor. In addition, students are trained in how to write and present a research paper and receive GRE preparation instruction. Students receive free on-campus housing and a $3,300 fellowship. Participants are required to make oral presentations at the UCSD Summer Research Conference and to present their research at the CAMP Statewide Symposium (Winter Quarter). Students entering their junior and senior level courses with GPAs of 2.7 or above are eligible to apply. Click here for the application form.

CAMP Statewide Research Symposium
The CAMP Statewide Research Symposium is an annual meeting where CAMP students and Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) graduate students from UC schools have the opportunity to present their research in oral or poster format. This event brings together students, faculty and staff UC systemwide and provides an excellent opportunity for networking and professional development. The symposium aims to:

- Support and encourage undergraduate research with a faculty member
- Develop student written and oral communication skills
- Provide a UC systemwide interactive space for faculty and students
- Foster interest in graduate education, particularly for the Ph.D., and
- Set national standards for undergraduate research

The 2008 CAMP Statewide Symposium was held at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, Irvine, California, February 22-24, 2008. For a list of UCSD presenters, panelists and observers click here. For pictures of the event click here.

Click here for the 2007 Statewide Symposium Proceedings & Profiles. For a list of UCSD participation mentioned/pictured in this publication click here.

Field Trips
Each quarter the CAMP Science Program visits a local company, a research institution, or a lab on campus.  Students who attend these field trips have the opportunity to meet research scientists, learn the daily operations of the company, and receive a tour of the facilities. It is never too early to learn what career opportunities are available; therefore, students at all levels are strongly encouraged to attend these field trips.

Workshops
Throughout the year, informational and skill-building workshops are offered.  Topics have included study skills and time management, careers in science, resume preparation, the process on applying to graduate school, and summer research opportunities.

Academic Year Research
Research opportunities are available, through the Faculty Mentor Program, to students interested in graduate school, medical school, or scientific careers. Students work as research assistants in professor s labs for at least 10 hours per week during any academic quarter. Participants are taught how to write a research proposal and paper, and earn 4 units of 199 independent study credit per quarter. At the conclusion of the program, students present their papers at the Faculty Mentor Research Symposium. This is an excellent opportunity to develop a close working relationship with a faculty member and to get a taste of what it is like to do scientific research. Juniors and seniors with GPAs of 2.7 or above are eligible to apply.

Coffee with Faculty
This 1-1.5 hr. event is an informal opportunity for students to meet with a faculty member or another scientist in a relaxed atmosphere.  It takes place every quarter at Café Roma here on campus.  Students enjoy their preferred drink and a pastry on CAMP while they chat with the invited speaker who is usually asked to share with students his/her research interests, career path, experience as an undergraduate and graduate student, current position, what is like to be a professor/scientist, etc.  Students are encouraged to ask questions about anything else they would want to discuss or expand on.

Study Break Dinners (SBD)
This is a social event which takes place once per academic quarter.  During this event, students enjoy some food (provided by CAMP), play games, participate in raffles, and learn about upcoming events and opportunities.  This event provides a relaxed atmosphere for CAMP students to meet each other and to exchange information.

Book Lending Program (BLP)
A program designed to foster collaboration among CAMP members and to possibly spare participating members the expense of purchasing textbooks.  A master list of "Needed" and "Available" books is updated quarterly and sent to CAMP members near the beginning of the quarter.

CAMP Quarterly Newsletter
The newsletter contains articles which describe past and upcoming events and services.  Students' accomplishments, research fellowships, graduations, graduate school enrollment/completion, honors and awards, etc. are featured in the newsletter.  The newsletter may also contain information on campus life and financial opportunities, developmental opportunities, past and future conferences, support services, and informational resources.  Student input in the form of short and long articles is always requested and encouraged.

Resource Room / Computer Room
The Resource Room is located in Student Center Building "B". This is a place for CAMP  students to study, hold meetings, or relax between classes. Students may also check out a variety of materials from the AEP library to assist with classes and projects.

Book Scholarships
Students who earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher or significantly improve their GPA for the quarter are eligible for book scholarships in the amount of $100. A student may receive one award per quarter.  The following criteria must be satisfied for eligibility:

1) the student must be an active CAMP participant

2) the student must be enrolled full-time, and

3) at least two of the courses taken that quarter must count toward major requirements.

For a book scholarship application, click here!

For further information about the UCSD CAMP Science Program please contact:

Jacqueline F. Azize-Brewer, Ph.D.
Coordinator, California LSAMP (CAMP)* Science Program &
Associate Director, CAMP Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship

Office Location: Student Center Building B, 2nd Floor East
Phone: (858) 534-8839
jazize@ucsd.edu

or write:

CAMP Science Program
UCSD Academic Enrichment Programs
9500 Gilman Drive #0311
La Jolla, CA 92093-0311

Funding for this program is provided by NSF through the California Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.