PathWAYS Undergrad Program

Winter Quarter, 2026

The overall goal of the PathWAYS (Pathology Widens Avenues for Young Scientists) program is to increase the number of undergraduate students in the field of health sciences by providing research opportunities designed to build life science skills, develop a sense of community, and identify potential mentors who can guide students on a pathway to academic success. Increasing the undergraduate students who pursue advanced degrees and research careers will be our measure of success.

PathWAYS Student Opportunities

• Practice with cutting-edge research tools, gain experience in conducting hypothesis-driven pathology research, and track the progression from experimentation and data collection to publication.
• Develop skills in professional communication and presentation in an environment in which the scholar can grow and self-identify as a scientist.
• Gain firsthand knowledge about research opportunities and career paths from professors and researchers from diverse backgrounds.
• Participate in Pathology Department learning opportunities such as Grand Rounds and seminars as well as networking opportunities with your peers, faculty and researchers across campus.

Eligibility

Applicants must be current undergraduate students enrolled at UC.

How to Apply for the PathWAYS Program

Students who are interested are encouraged to e-mail Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno, Ph.D., at vmartinezcerdeno@ucdavis.edu about their interest in the PathWays program.

• Deadline for Application: October 1, 2025
• Applicant Selection for Interview: October 15, 2025
• Interviews: October 20 - November 3, 2025
• Final Decision: November 3, 2025
• Clearance: November-December, 2025
• Internship: January 5 to March 16, 2026

 PathWAYS (Pathology Widens Avenues for Young Scientists) Winter Research Internship - Application (docx)

Support

• PathWAYS will provide $1,000 for the quarter for 4-5 chosen applicants, and $500 to the faculty research mentor for lab and research expenses.
• Credit hours for students registered in UC Davis course PMD 199
• Academic and advising support

Scholar Obligations

• Commit one quarter to the program
• Engage in research at least 10 hours per week during the quarter, schedule flexible
• Attend all regularly scheduled meetings, program workshops and functions
• Fully participate in the curriculum
• Meet regularly with adviser/research mentor
• Maintain competitive GPA
• Actively engage in their research lab, attend lab meetings etc.