MARC U*STAR Program at the University of California, Los Angeles

描述（由申请人提供）：加州大学洛杉矶分校MARC U-STAR计划的总体目标是增加代表性不足的少数民族（URM）本科生的数量，这些本科生成功进入高度选择性的研究密集型机构的研究生课程，并随后完成博士学位。在生物医学领域。要求继续支持在未来5年内每年培训16名学生，并建立一个新的MARC PREP（参与研究丰富计划），这将提高符合MARC条件的本科生的深度和质量，并扩大MARC培训计划在加州大学洛杉矶分校的机构影响。该应用程序建立在1996年开始的一个非常成功的计划之上。自2003年以来，65名MARC学员中有48人（74%）在毕业后进入博士或博士课程。具体目标1将通过MARC PREP提高符合MARC U-STAR条件的学生的学术和社会融合，以巩固他们作为科学家的身份，加强他们对科学研究的准备，增加更多定量科学专业学生的代表性，并增加管道计划申请人的比例。可衡量的目标是：1）从量化专业的学员人数增加一倍，在以前的补助金期间; 2）增加至少50%的管道学生成为MARC U-STAR学员的数量; 3）有至少50%的MARC PREP研讨会的学生申请MARC U-STAR;和4）参加MARC PREP研讨会的学生将有高于平均水平的成绩在他们的入门生命科学课程。具体目标2提高受训人员的科学知识和技能发展，以增加他们对前沿科学研究的理解，提高他们的科学沟通技能，并培养他们在科学领域批判性思考的能力。可衡量的目标是：1）所有学员每年在两次或两次以上的会议上发言，2）至少一半的学员申请研究生研究奖学金。具体目标3支持和激励学员保持他们的参与，并增加他们在STEM领域毕业的可能性，并保持积极的研究。可衡量的目标是：1）所有学员毕业后获得STEM B.S; 2）至少一半的学员积极参与科学推广活动; 3至少一半的MARC学员每年至少有一次与MARC校友的计划互动。具体目标4监测和建议MARC U-STAR学员，以帮助他们在学术课程中取得更大的成功，促进成功的导师指导，并增加他们完成生物医学研究高级学位的可能性。可衡量的目标是：1）每年至少有一半的MARC导师参加期刊俱乐部; 2）至少有一半的MARC学员毕业时的累计GPA达到或超过3.3; 3）在从加州大学洛杉矶分校毕业的3年内，至少有80%的MARC学员进入高级博士学位。研究生课程。拟议的MARC U-STAR培训和PREP开发工作的累积效应应该会增加最佳博士研究项目的少数民族候选人。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall goal of the UCLA MARC U-STAR Program is to increase the number of underrepresented minority (URM) undergraduates who successfully enroll into graduate programs at highly selective, research-intensive institutions, and subsequently complete a Ph.D. in biomedical fields. Continued support is requested to train 16 students per year over the next 5 years, and to establish a new MARC PREP (Participation in Research Enrichment Program) that will enhance the depth and quality of MARC-eligible undergraduate students as well as broaden the institutional impact of the MARC training program at UCLA. This application builds on a highly successful program begun in 1996. Since 2003, 48 of 65 MARC trainees (74%) have entered into either PhD or combined PhD programs following graduation. Specific aim 1 will increase the academic and social integration of MARC U-STAR eligible students through MARC PREP to solidify their identification as scientists, strengthen their preparation for scientific research and augment the representation of students majoring in the more quantitative sciences, and increase the percentage of applicants from pipeline programs. The measurable objectives are: 1) doubling the number of trainees from quantitative majors over the previous grant period; 2) increasing by at least 50% the number of pipeline students that become MARC U-STAR trainees; 3) having at least 50% of MARC PREP seminar students apply to MARC U-STAR; and 4) students participating in MARC PREP workshops will have higher than average grades in their introductory life science courses. Specific aim 2 enhances the scientific knowledge and skill development of trainees to increase their understanding of cutting-edge scientific research, advance their scientific communication skills and develop their ability to think critically across scientific areas. The measurable objectives are: 1) all trainees making presentations at two or more conferences each year and 2) at least half of trainees applying for graduate research fellowships. Specific aim 3 supports and motivates trainees to keep them engaged and increase their likelihood of graduating within a STEM field and remaining active in research. The measurable objectives are: 1) graduating all trainees with a STEM B.S; 2) at least half of trainees active in science outreach activities; and 3 at least half of MARC trainees having at least one planned interaction with MARC Alumni each year. Specific aim 4 monitors and advises MARC U-STAR trainees to help them become more successful in their academic courses, promote successful preceptor mentoring, and increase the likelihood that they complete advanced degrees in biomedical research. The measurable objectives are: 1) at least half of MARC preceptors participating in journal club per year; 2) at least half of MARC trainees graduating with a cumulative GPA at or above 3.3; and 3) within 3 years of graduating from UCLA, at least 80% of MARC trainees entering highly ranked Ph.D. graduate programs. The cumulative effect of the proposed MARC U-STAR training and PREP development efforts should increase the pool of minority candidates for the best PhD research programs.