U-Rise at California State University Bakersfield

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Project Summary/Abstract The mission of the U-RISE program at CSUB is to provide aspiring young researchers from diverse backgrounds authentic and transformational experiences that will strengthen their acceptance and successful completion of Ph.Ds. in the biomedical, and behavioral research fields leading to a diverse pool of the nation’s scientists. We will target students from Biology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Kinesiology and Psychology providing the technical, operational, and professional skills necessary to become strong research scientists that will successfully transition from undergraduate to graduate to the biomedical workforce. Our objectives are to have 100% of our trainees graduate with a bachelor’s degree in a timely manner, effectively prepare trainees for interdisciplinary biomedical and behavioral research and beyond by providing a transformational intramural research experience with dedicated and supportive faculty, increase trainee knowledge base of the biomedical and behavioral sciences through our series of courses, From CSUB to Ph.D., increase critical thinking skills using the Critical Thinking Assessment Test (CAT), and increase leadership skills and personal growth through various experiential activities including community engagement/service learning and near-peer mentoring. Program outcomes include closing the gap in 4-year graduation rates and time to degree between well-represented and underrepresented students, have 70% of the U-RISE trainees admitted to Ph.D. programs in the biomedical and behavioral sciences and to impact the success of CSUB U-RISE alumni in Ph.D. programs, as measured by at least 75% of those entering Ph.D. programs advancing toward or succeeding in earning their doctoral degrees. The U-RISE program is in complete alignment, and will enhance the mission of CSUB, which places an emphasis on student learning via a commitment to scholarship, diversity, service, global awareness and life-long learning. The interdisciplinary focus of the program will give students an edge in gaining acceptance to graduate school and will provide the necessary breadth to successfully transition into graduate studies in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. Ultimately, the nation's preeminence in the biomedical and behavioral sciences cannot be maintained without tapping into every available source of talent and perspective. The fact that certain ethnic and racial groups are underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral sciences shows that we, as a nation, should do better to provide the tools necessary to all students that want to become scientists. Relatively impoverished rural and agricultural areas with large minority populations have a wealth of underutilized talent. CSUB, situated in such a location, possess this underutilized talent.