Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC)

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in partnership with the Los Angeles Community College District propose the Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC) Program. Lack of participation from communities underrepresented in medicine and science (UIMS) in the scientific research workforce is a critical issue affecting the future of research, and ultimately our nation’s health. Access to a high-quality science education required for a research career remains largely determined by socioeconomic class, race/ethnicity, gender and/or national origin. There is a critical need to motivate and equip lower-income UIMS community college students with the academic skill set to critically understand, explore and engage in scientific research, as well as the confidence and communication skill set required for advancement in scientific careers. Early interventions in the undergraduate education timeline are needed to build a diverse and inclusive scientific workforce. The Program’s main components include: 1) A Summer Research Experience, where students attend a one-week boot camp to familiarize themselves with research fundamentals and participate in hands-on research under the supervision of a research mentor with expertise in one of NHLBI’s research focus areas, and 2) A Pathway to Research Careers Continuum, where students attend workshops which will enhance their research and academic skills. Since California Community Colleges are the single largest system of higher education in the country, and with data showing that 80% of students enrolled in Los Angeles Community College district schools are from UIMS communities, the proposed CIRC Program will provide important opportunities for UIMS community college students to receive research training as well as skills necessary to transfer to four-year colleges/universities. The Program’s overarching goal is to increase the number of UIMS students prepared to pursue careers in the biomedical and clinical health sciences. To this end, the Specific Aims are as follows: Specific Aim 1: To engage 14 UIMS community college students each year in a mentored, summer scientific research experience in basic, clinical, or translational research related to CVD within the NHLBI mission. Specific Aim 2: To provide 14 UIMS community college students each year with a year-long faculty and “near- peer” advising program to continue building academic skills as well as provide support in transferring to a four year college/university to study math or science. Specific Aim 3: To evaluate the effectiveness of the CIRC program for UIMS community college students in promoting academic advancement, scientific productivity with presentations and/or manuscripts, completion of an undergraduate degree, and successful application to a graduate program in a science-related field.