Missouri Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MoLSAMP)

About the MoLSAMP Program

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is an NSF-sponsored program designed to broaden participation in science, technology, engineering, and technology (STEM) disciplines and increase the number of students receiving baccalaureate degrees and graduate degrees in STEM disciplines. MOLSAMP is a community of professionals and scholars in Missouri dedicated to helping you succeed in your chosen STEM field.

The objectives of the alliance are to: 

  • Increase the total number of URM students graduating with STEM degrees by 125% over a 5 year period
  • Increase the first and second year retention rates of URM students in STEM disciplines to at least 60%
  • Increase the successful transfer of URM students from 2 to 4 year institutions by 25%
  • Increase the number of underrepresented students entering graduate programs in STEM fields by 25%

The MOLSAMP program provides:

  • Opportunities to conduct and present undergraduate research at professional conferences and symposiums
  • Material support and stipends for students in research projects
  • A sophomore summer experience program
  • Opportunities to  meet and network with other STEM students and STEM professionals in the community
  • Preparation for post-baccalaureate education and careers in STEM

This is a program specifically for students at Missouri LSAMP schools (University of Missouri – Columbia, Harris-Stowe State University, Lincoln University, Missouri State University, St. Louis Community College, Truman State University, University of Central Missouri, University of Missouri – St. Louis, and Washington University in St. Louis). Undergraduates from Alliance Schools selected for this program will live on campus in Columbia and conduct research for nine weeks. This is a full-time program and students may NOT enroll in other coursework or hold part-time jobs.

Students are expected to be in Columbia for the whole nine weeks (no vacations), although no activities are planned on weekends and students may go home if they wish. Most students find that staying in Columbia on weekends is beneficial to their overall experience. Students will participate in all aspects of the larger summer program at Mizzou including orientation, educational programming, social events, and the Forum (poster session) at the end of July.

The MU Office of Undergraduate Research will process applications and make selections and research placements in collaboration with MU research faculty. We are seeking students with career interests that include scientific research.

Students will receive:
  • Stipend of $4,000 (minus taxes)
  • On-campus housing – valued at $1,500, (air conditioned dorm room, 2 students per room)
  • Meal Plan – valued at $1,100
  • Travel to/from Columbia, Missouri

Applicants are expected to have completed at least three semesters of full-time college enrollment prior to the beginning of the summer program and be currently enrolled at the University of Missouri (Mizzou). Students graduating prior to December are not eligible.

Who is Eligible?
  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Students in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher)
  • NSF-designated underrepresented groups, which include low-income, first-generation college, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Native Pacific Islanders, and those with disabilities
  • Students focusing on the following majors:
    • Architecture
    • Actuarial Science & Statistics
    • Biochemistry
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Computer Science
    • Engineering Technology
    • Mathematics

The priority deadline for applying to this program is February 11th, 2024. Applicants will complete an online application form , to which they should be prepared to upload their unofficial transcript (including Fall 2023 grades), a resumé, a personal statement indicating career plans and prior research experience, and a statement of research interests. The applicant will request at least one letter of recommendation (two preferred) and a letter of endorsement from your MoLSAMP site director, to be emailed separately.

Letters of recommendation and endorsement may be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Research via e-mail (ugr@missouri.edu). Questions can be directed to the MU Office of Undergraduate Research via e-mail or phone, 573-882-5979.

Applications received after February 11th will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Placement with Mentors

MU has more than 25 STEM departments. We encourage students to browse the MU website (missouri.edu) to become familiar with the departments, programs, and individual faculty research interests. Please be as specific as possible in your statement of research interests on your application. It will be most helpful to know what subspecialties and types of questions you are interested in, rather than generalities. For example, “biology” is too general, “Cellular Biology” is better and “How do cell membranes control permeability?” is even more helpful.

Please visit the departmental websites for comprehensive lists of faculty members & their research before completing your application.

Additional questions may be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Research, ugr@missouri.edu or (573) 882-5979; or Dr. Natalie Downer at downern@missouri.edu.