How to Apply

Students admitted to, or currently enrolled in, any doctoral program at the University of Michigan are eligible to apply for training and funding through ITiMS. ITiMS is not a degree program unto itself, but an interdisciplinary training program designed to enhance your research skills. For information about applying to doctoral programs at U-M, go to the U-M Gateway to see a list of graduate schools and colleges.

ITiMS is an interactive cross-training program. Students selected for the program will complete requirements for their Ph.D. in a specific discipline while receiving training in additional disciplines that integrate with their research interests. As part of the program, students will work with faculty mentors selected from 18 departments and 7 schools, colleges or institutes across campus.

ITiMS students complete coursework in mathematical modeling, and population and laboratory approaches and integrate laboratory, population, and modeling approaches in their dissertation.  While there are no requirements for ITiMS associates except to complete two surveys for our sponsor Burroughs Wellcome Fund in the spring, associates are encouraged to participate in ITiMS activities, including the individualized training plan which provides the structure and guidance to integrate laboratory experience, population science, and mathematical modeling into the student's dissertation and skill set.  Associates with approved Training Plans are eligible to apply for up to $7,000 toward a wide range of purposes (see funding page).

Anyone interested in receiving updates and news regarding the ITiMS program may do so by sending an email to ITiMS-subscribe-requests@umich.edu. Members of the U of M community can join via MCommunity, just search for ITiMS-subscribe.

Dates & Deadlines

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application Requirements

CURRENT STUDENT STATUS

You must be an admitted or current student in a doctoral program at the University of Michigan in order to apply to ITiMS.

FACULTY NOMINATIONS

Identify two faculty mentors — one with laboratory expertise, and one with expertise in either mathematical modeling or population approaches. Mentors should write a letter/email of support including a statement of their willingness to serve as co-mentor of the student and ensuring that the student will complete all required ITiMS trainings in laboratory, modeling, and population sciences.  

See the list of current ITiMS training faculty →

Download the template for the faculty nomination letter below.

CURRICULUM VITA

Submit a current copy of your C.V.

ESSAYS

Complete three brief essays (500 words or less each) on the following questions:

  1. Describe your career and your scientific interests.  
  2. Describe why you want to participate in the ITiMS training program.  Please discuss how your current work fits with ITiMS goals to integrate laboratory experience, population science, and mathematical modeling.
  3. Describe your experience with mathematical modeling coursework or training. "None" is an acceptable response. See below for suggested courses.

Students interested in ITiMS are encouraged to have previously taken or be currently enrolled in a mathematical modeling course.  Suggested courses in this area at U-M include:

      • EEB 466: Mathematical Ecology
      • EPID 633: Introduction to Mathematical Modeling in Epidemiology and Public Health
      • EPID 634: Foundations in Infectious Disease Transmission Modeling
      • MATH 462: Mathematical Models
      • MATH 463: Introduction to Mathematical Biology
      • MATH 550: Introduction to Adaptive Systems
      • MICRBIOL 510: Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases

INDIVIDUALIZED TRAINING PLAN

In order to apply for funding you must have an individualized training plan that has been reviewed and approved by the program advisory committee.  Find downloadable template below

Approved Courses by Requirement

 

Submitting Your Application

Assemble your application materials into one PDF and give the file to your co-advisors to submit, along with their letters of nomination. Application materials should be sent to itimsapplications@umich.edu.

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