University of Georgia (UGA) ESTEEMED: Mentored Experiential Research to Promote Diversity in Biomedical Engineering and Science

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Lead by a diverse multiple PI team (2URM, 1 UR), the UGA ESTEEMED program will lead ESTEEMED scholars along a path of increasing challenges – a path that includes the application of biomedical research -- toward the goal of interest and success in doctoral work. The scholars will enter the ESTEEMED program through a summer bridge curriculum and a co-located biomedical living-learning community, which will ensure they are engaged and networked. In their first year, they will join an engineering senior design team mentored by clinicians and engineers, and focused on biomedical design for underserved communities, to experience how knowledge is transformed from observations about nature to products that can change lives. They will work with peer mentors to apply science to solve real-world problems in ways consonant with industrial practices, learning how to listen, question, and answer business -- and ultimately research -- questions through personal communication. The scholars will be coached during a summer outreach project to appreciate how their skills and solutions can impact a community. These experiences will inspire the scholars to develop a research inquiry mindset as they start developing big ideas and solutions. The scholars will learn the vocabulary and infrastructure of research and have a sense of belonging to the research community. They will learn about biomedical sciences through the lens of animal medicine/regulatory and participate in One Health design challenges, teaming with ESTEEMED scholars at other institutions who are learning about biomedical sciences through the lens of human medicine (Georgia Tech) and through the physiological environment (Savannah State University). They will engage in mentored research projects that will cement their belief that they can make valuable contributions. Upon “graduation” from the ESTEEMED program, the scholars will enter the LSAMP or McNair honors programs. The ESTEEMED aims are: 1. To engage at least 90% of the UGA ESTEEMED scholars in research each year starting with year two. 2. For 90% of the UGA ESTEEMED scholars to transition into an Advanced Honors Program. 3. For 75% of the UGA ESTEEMED scholars to present their research at a STEM national conference and for 50% to graduate with research publications in biomedical science/engineering. 4. To prepare 100% of the scholars for graduate school, at least 75% enrolling in Ph.D. programs in biomedical science/engineering (or M.D./Ph.D. programs) within five years of post-baccalaureate. 5. For 75% of the UGA ESTEEMED scholars who enroll in graduate studies to enter postdoctoral employment or a biomedical research career within year of completing graduate training.