BP-ENDURE at the University of Nevada

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The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) proposes to increase the number of well-trained, highly qualified neuroscientists from underrepresented populations. Accelerating the research training of students from underrepresented ethnic/racial groups, students with disabilities, first generation students, and students from lower income backgrounds is central to efforts to broaden participation and enhance inclusiveness in the service of stronger science. UNR is the land grant university of Nevada, and is an R1 institution with a strong tradition of educating students whose access to higher education historically has been limited. Our primary partner and neighbor institution, Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), is a Hispanic Serving Institution with an outstanding record of preparing students to transition to upper level undergraduate education at UNR. The proposed Nevada ENDURE program will facilitate an intensive two-year training program for 12- 14 trainees per year. During the academic year, trainees will conduct research and participate in weekly professional development and skills training seminars at UNR. During each summer, trainees will participate in summer research programs at our summer educational partner institutions: the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, Davis, the University of Michigan, and Stanford University. We propose five activities: (1) To provide scientific skills and research experiences through placements with actively funded neuroscientists, (2) To implement academic curriculum enhancement and professional development activities to augment trainees' research activities, (3) To facilitate effective mentoring by program faculty, (4) To maintain an effective Administrative Core to support trainees' development, evaluate program effectiveness, and disseminate best practices, and (5) To expand the ENDURE network and pipeline of talented underrepresented students to doctoral programs in neuroscience. Our measurable objectives during the requested funding period include: (1) attainment of 85-90% admission to doctoral programs in neuroscience, (2) improvement of trainees' research and quantitative skills, and (3) improvement in trainees' scientific writing and presentation skills.