Research Intensive Scholarly Emphasis (RISE)

The Research Intensive Scholarly Emphasis (RISE) program provides an opportunity for Feinberg students to apply for a fully funded full time extra year to perform research on campus in a closely mentored environment overseen by experienced, productive faculty investigator-mentors. Once accepted into RISE, students are provided with intensive assistance in preparing for their extra research year.

Currently, RISE only accepts students enrolled at FSM.

We anticipate that most RISE scholars will take their extra year for full time research after M2 or M3 years; only M1, M2, and M3 students are eligible to apply. Applications are submitted through a brief online form, which also requests that applicants upload their CVs as well as a brief (1 page each) personal statement and plan of research for the year.

RISE APPLICATIONS FOR THE 25-26 ACADEMIC YEAR ARE NOW OPEN!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO RISE!

Sample application components:

1. Specific Aims

Length and formatting: 1 page maximum, Arial (or similar), 11-point font minimum, 0.5-inch margins at minimum

Content: Outline the scientific rationale and clearly define the aims to be accomplished over the RISE year. Please include: main hypotheses, methods, analytic/experimental plan, timeline, goals, and expected challenges and alternative approaches, as well as any outputs including abstracts, presentations, and potentials manuscript publications. A single aim or project is acceptable, as are multiple aims or projects. The specific aims should demonstrate focus, feasibility, and alignment with the goals of RISE.

2. Mentor Research Environment and Training Plan

Length and formatting: 2 pages maximum, Arial (or similar), 11-point font minimum, 0.5-inch margins at minimum.

Content: Outline the specific training activities and mentor research infrastructure for the student. This should include frequency of laboratory/research group meetings, planned meetings with the mentor and co-mentors/collaborators (e.g., postdocs, analysts, technicians), relevant didactics, and oversight plan (who will be the primary and/or secondary individuals responsible for overseeing the student’s progress, and how will they ensure progress is being made?). Finally, this document must explicitly state the portion of the RISE salary that the mentor will provide (50%/~$17,500 is the norm and strengthens the application). The Mentor Research Environment and Training Plan must be signed by the student applicant and the mentor.

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Length and formatting: no page limit, no set formatting no page limit, no set formatting

Content: Submit an updated CV. Components may include:

Education history and academic achievements
Relevant skills (prior research experience is not required to be a competitive RISE applicant)
Publications, presentations, or other scholarly contributions (if applicable)
Any awards, honors, or recognitions received
Relevant extracurricular activities or professional memberships.

Past and Current RISE Projects

RISE Mentors

Below is a list of faculty who have confirmed an interest in being mentors for the RISE program. Please note that this is not exhaustive and we are always happy to add more RISE mentors! In general, RISE faculty will be funded investigators with an active research program and infrastructure to take on student mentees.

RISE MENTORS

Funding for RISE

Funding is provided at the standard predoctoral student stipend (~$35,000/year) to the student. Typically, funding is split to some degree between the student’s mentor and FSM; the most common is a 50%/50% split. RISE  scholars are hired through the Office of Medical Education (AWOME).

Status during RISE year

Students taking a RISE year are enrolled into an independent study status. Historically, this enrollment status does not trigger a student to go into loan repayment status. Tuition is not charged during the RISE year. For more information about your status during the RISE year, please contact Cynthia Gonzalez as needed.

NUSHIP

Students in RISE may qualify for NUSHIP. For more information and to determine if you qualify for NUSHIP, please contact the Student Insurance Office by email at student.insurance@northwestern.edu or by phone (847-491-3621).

RISE Professional Development Reimbursement Fund

During the RISE year, in additional to the RISE stipend of $35,000 a year, each student will receive an additional RISE professional development reimbursement fund of $1,250. This fund can be used for workshops, conference travel, and malpractice insurance, among other professional development-related activities. Intended purchases must first be approved by Liza Rivnay through this form.

ECMH During RISE Year

ECMH will not be a requirement during RISE. Students wishing to keep up their clinical skills may volunteer at a volunteer clinic (no supplemental insurance required) or purchase malpractice insurance using the RISE Professional Development Fund to visit their ECMH.