Radiology and Imaging Sciences Scholars (RaISS) Program
Radiology and Imaging Sciences Scholars (RaISS) Program
The Radiology and Imaging Sciences Scholars (RaISS) Program at the UC Davis Department of Radiology is designed to bring meaningful experiences to community college and early undergraduate students interested in possible careers in the medical field. The program offers exposure to clinical and research opportunities, along with essential support for skills development, mentorship, and community building. Through these experiences, students can explore pre-med and biomedical science opportunities which otherwise might be difficult to access or even unknown to them and their communities.
The program’s goals are not only to cultivate interest in radiology and imaging science and introduce students to UC Davis Radiology, but to help eliminate barriers that can keep many promising students from pursuing and participating in critical Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. By offering these students an immersive hands-on experience, networking opportunities, research and academic resources, and the guidance needed to consider careers in health care and STEM, we can work towards improving health and healthcare systems that are truly inclusive and better for all. At UC Davis Radiology, we believe in RaISS, and we Believe in Better.
Our Program
Mentorship: Each scholar will be paired with at least one UC Davis Radiology Department member for career mentorship.
STEM-Engagement: Scholars will be coached on and engage in a six-month long imaging science project (time commitment each week to be worked out between scholar and mentor/advisor), which may be focused in one of the following areas:
- Information Technology/Computer Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Physics/Physical Sciences
- Biological Science/Chemistry
- Patient Safety, Engagement and Quality Improvement
Networking: Throughout the course of the program, scholars will be provided opportunities to network with mentoring faculty and with other scholars.
Length of Program (in Weeks): 24
- Participate in clinical and/or research for six months.
- Participant time commitment based on discussion with mentors — expect at least six hours per week (i.e. one half to one workday per week) on average.
- Weekly live cohort discussion/lunch-and-learn with Q-and-A with one of the mentors.
- Each participant picks one other (secondary) experience/exposure that they want to visit during the six months.
- Each participant picks a project (research project or clinical application/exploration) to complete in the six months, based on one of the five areas of focus; may pair up on a project if desired.
- Attendance in seminars and noon lectures.
- Be currently enrolled at a partner California community college or up to a Sophomore-credit equivalent in an undergraduate program
- Minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0
- Completed the following coursework in college studies (unofficial transcripts will be submitted with your application):
- At least one course in Human Anatomy, Biology, or Physiology, with lab component
- At least one course in Chemistry, with lab
- At least one course in Mathematics (College Algebra or higher)
- At least on course in Written Communication/Writing
- Clearance as per Radiology observership guidelines
The application period for the 2026 cohort is open. Apply for the 2026 cohort
Felipe Godinez at fgodinez@health.ucdavis.edu or Kayla Wilkerson at kswilkerson@health.ucdavis.edu