Post-baccalaureate Transitions to Graduate School
Bridge-to-PhD program (B2P)
Program Details
Our Bridge-to-PhD program supports the transition of students with undergraduate degrees and an interest in research careers into ocean science graduate programs. Each year, 4-5 new B2P fellows are welcomed into C-CoMP research groups. The 2-year, paid fellowship program provides sufficient time for students to establish core competencies in their relevant fields while benefiting from tailored mentoring and professional development. Fellows are chosen through an application process that prioritizes applicants from backgrounds historically excluded from the sciences. They will work in science disciplines ranging from marine chemistry to microbial ecology to data science by matching their disciplinary interests with C-CoMP faculty, and carry out research aligned with the science objectives of the Center. Through virtual platforms, B2P Fellows engage in peer mentoring and professional development, including: (1) writing proposals and fellowships, (2) building knowledge and skills related to the ethical conduct of research, and (3) communicating science both orally and in writing. Fellows also collaborate in C-CoMP outreach and education activities, engage with the C-CoMP community at the annual meeting, travel to national meetings, and participate in a week-long research program at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science (BIOS).
B2P aims to recruit and prepare diverse cohorts of post-baccalaureate students to matriculate into and succeed in rigorous research-based MS and PhD programs, thereby advancing diversity of the ocean science research workforce. B2P accomplishes its mission by affording students opportunities to explore their research interests, gain technical knowledge and skills, and engage in collaborative work before they commit to entering into a masters or PhD program.
Application Materials
- Cover Page
- Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
- A C.V. summarizes your education, academic accomplishments, research experience(s), extracurricular activities, employment experience, and special qualifications and accomplishments. Check out tips for composing C.V.s here and here. There may also be resources at your school or in your neighborhood you can access for support in preparing your C.V.
- Statement of Interest
- A statement of interest addresses why you want to join the program. Please prepare a 750-word statement that answers these questions:
- Why are you interested in studying the ocean? Give one or two specific reasons why ocean-related research appeals to you.
- What are your long-term education and career goals and how does doing ocean-related research relate to your goals?
- Do you have any prior research experience? If so, please describe it. If not, why do you want to learn to do research?
- Promoting diversity in the ocean sciences through equity and inclusion is a core value of C-CoMP. What unique perspectives, interests, and experiences could you offer that would enhance the diversity of C-CoMP and the ocean sciences?
- Who among the C-CoMP faculty is doing research that interests you? How do your research interests align with theirs?
- A statement of interest addresses why you want to join the program. Please prepare a 750-word statement that answers these questions:
- Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are accepted for your application. If you are accepted into the program, we will ask you to submit your official transcripts.
- Voluntary Self-Identification Data Sheet
Combine application materials into a single pdf file (combine PDF pages together for free here) and email to ccompeducation@whoi.edu with the subject line B2P2023_lastname. Applications will be accepted until April 14, 2023. Fellows will be notified of their appointments in May, 2023.
- References
- Two letters of recommendation (from research mentors or academic instructors)
- Be sure to give your letter writers ample notice of your intent to apply to this program so they can submit their letters when you submit your application. Letters must be emailed directly by letter writers to the following email: ccompeducation@whoi.edu with the subject line "B2P_ref_lastname".
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do we consider backgrounds historically excluded from the sciences?
An individual with a background historically excluded from the sciences may be a member of an underrepresented minority group (someone whose racial or ethnic makeup is African American or Black, Hispanic or Latinx, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and/or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander). We welcome applications from individuals who identify with one or more of these races/ethnicities as well as from individuals who would bring other dimensions of diversity to C-CoMP, such as individuals with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
2. Who is eligible?
Applicants must have:
- a four-year degree from an accredited college or university as of July 1st, 2023
- a minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
- a desire to apply to PhD programs within two years of beginning B2P
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status at the time of application
3. How long is the B2P Fellowship?
Funding is provided for a two-year period (see timeline figure below).
4. Why is B2P unique?
- Fellows are appointed at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), but can be trained at any of the C-CoMP labs
- Fellows are non-degree seeking
- Fellows receive mentoring support and professional development on fellowship proposal writing, research ethics, and science communication
- Fellows receive remote data training seminars that establish common vocabularies
- Fellows are appointed as a cohort and participate in the C-CoMP activities that build a sense of community, such as the annual meeting, virtual networking, research exchanges, outreach events, and more.
5. What is the salary?
Fellowships will cover salary ($41,000 per year), travel and supplies ($3,000 per year), and health and wellness funds ($6,000 per year). All payments are made directly to the Fellow as an electronic funds transfer into a personal account at a U.S. financial institution.
6. How can the supplies funds be used?
The fellowship includes a research allowance of $3,000 per year. This allowance is intended to cover research- and training-related costs. Allowable research and training costs include travel, such as short-term visits to other institutions or laboratories, fieldwork, attendance at scientific meetings, training, special equipment, IT equipment and software, supplies, publication costs, access fees for databases, and other research-related expenses. The Fellow should keep records to document expenditures. Funds will be reimbursed through WHOI's financial system, with training and assistance provided by C-CoMP administrative staff based at WHOI.
7. How can the health and wellness funds be used?
Fellows are not eligible for enrollment in the WHOI health insurance group plans. If you are not already getting insurance through a spouse/partner/family member, then you will need to purchase your own medical insurance coverage. The fellowship includes a health and wellness allowance of $6,000 per year. This allowance is intended to offset health insurance and other wellness expenses. Suggested coverage should include ambulatory care, emergency services, hospital coverage, mental health counseling, prescription drug benefits, rehabilitative coverage, laboratory services, and preventative services including chronic disease management. Allowable costs include health insurance (any combination of medical, vision, and/or dental) whether purchased as a group or individual plan, disability insurance, retirement savings, and dependent care expenses. The Fellow should keep records to document expenditures.
8. How does the application process work?
Applications will be accepted until April 14, 2023. Fellows will be notified of their appointments in May, 2023.
9. What happens if I am selected?
Appointed fellows must submit an official transcript and begin to work with their mentor to discuss a project and plans for joining their lab. The B2P Fellowship begins September 1, 2023.
10. Who is available to answer questions regarding my application?
For issues with application submission or access to application materials, contact Victoria Centurino (ccompeducation@whoi.edu).
B2P Timeline
