M3S: How to Apply

Application deadline is April 1, 2025.

Applications are being accepted for the 2025/26 academic year. Funding slots are only available to students who are completing the first year of the PhD program (matriculated in Fall 2024). The primary student groups are BMMB, CHEM, BME, and MCIBS graduate programs, though students from other graduate programs will be considered. Funding will cover their 2nd year and reappointment for the 3rd year based on progress and available funding. Per NIH guidelines, funding is primarily for domestic students, but a small number of funding slots are available for international students. Students from any graduate program, including rising 3rd year students, are welcome and encouraged to apply to join the training program as unfunded trainees. Unfunded trainees will receive all of the training, they are expected to participate fully, and they will be considered full members of the training cohort. Students funded as T32 trainees must defer any teaching responsibilities during their time as a paid trainee.

Applications are due Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Please direct all questions to Will Hancock:

William Hancock

Professor of Bioengineering

Application Materials

Students should use the form below to submit the following three documents integrated into a single pdf file:

  1. A 1-2 page (single-spaced) personal statement that includes:
    • research and education background
    • current research interests and proposed PhD project
    • description of how M3S program training will strengthen current doctoral training and align with future career plans
  2. A 1-2 page CV
  3. An unofficial graduate transcript

Students applying to the M3S training grant must also request a separate letter of support from their adviser. Full information on requirements for that letter are detailed at the bottom of this page.

Are you a U.S. Citizen?

It is important to submit your application to only one T32 program. By submitting your application to this program, you have determined that this program is the best fit for your research interests and training goals. If you feel that your research may also fit with a secondary Huck T32 program, please list it below. [Note: if your application is considered by another T32 program, you may be asked to submit additional materials at that time.]

Select all fellowships or scholarships you have received from Penn State or an external funding source
I understand that if I am selected as a funded trainee for this T32 program, I must relinquish any teaching responsibilities during my time as a trainee *

You will receive a confirmation email upon submission of this form. If you do not receive that message, please contact Jean Pierce (jep32@psu.edu)

Letter of Support

Students should also arrange for their PhD adviser to submit a support letter by the same deadline. In addition to describing the student’s credentials and fit for the program, the mentor support letter should include:

  • a statement that the mentor supports all required coursework/training program activities
  • a statement that the mentor will participate in the team teaching of the “Machine Shop” course and other aspects of the training program such as RCR training, mentor training, and attending the annual program retreat
  • a statement of how the student’s research project will be supported

Letters of support may be sent to Jean Pierce:

Jean Pierce

Assistant Training Grant Administrator; Academic Program Coordinator