A Dual-Degree Graduate Program to Build Infrastructure and Expand Opportunities for Graduate Education at an HBCU

在NSF的支持下，特拉华州州立大学将建立一个分子和细胞神经科学项目，加强特拉华州州立大学的研究和研究培训基础设施。 神经科学硕士课程将：（1）建立有兴趣攻读高级学位的应届毕业生的学术和研究技能;（2）培养攻读博士学位的兴趣。通过让研究生和本科生参与研究经验;（3）在DSU和神经科学博士之间建立研究生教育伙伴关系。该计划将加强在德雷塞尔大学的本科和研究生课程;（4）提高生物学本科生的准备，增加数量和种类的高级课程提供给他们，和（5）增加研究和研究培训机会的特拉华州居民通过开发第一个神经科学学位课程在国家。该项目包括教师启动支持，夏季工资，津贴和旅行津贴。DSU和Drexel之间的伙伴关系可以作为类似合作努力的国家模式，从而实现M.S./ PhD.该项目的智力价值在于其对分子和细胞神经科学知识基础的贡献。 这个项目的更广泛的影响在于扩大学生的研究机会，包括代表性不足的少数民族学生和少数民族学生谁成功地追求高级学位和研究生涯在STEM学科的人数预计增加。

With NSF support, Delaware State University will establish a program in molecular and cellular neuroscience, strengthening the research and research-training infrastructure at Delaware State University. The neuroscience MS program will: (1) build the academic and research skills of recent graduates who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree; (2) foster interest in pursuing a Ph.D. by involving graduate and undergraduate students in research experiences; (3) create a graduate education partnership between DSU and the Neuroscience Ph.D. program at Drexel University that will strengthen both undergraduate and graduate programs at DSU; (4) improve the preparation of biology undergraduates by increasing the number and variety of advanced courses available to them, and (5) increase the research and research training opportunities of Delaware residents by developing the first neuroscience degree program in the state. The project includes faculty start-up support, summer salaries, stipends and travel allowances. The partnership between DSU and Drexel could serve as a national model for similar collaborative efforts that result in M.S./PhD. programs.The intellectual merit of this project lies in its contribution to the knowledge base in molecular and cellular neuroscience. The broader impact of this project lies in the expanded research opportunities for students including underrepresented minority students and expected increases in the number of minority students who successfully pursue advanced degrees and research careers in STEM disciplines.