MARC at East Carolina University

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Project Summary Drawing from the rich ethnic diversity of our rural region, we propose to establish a new interdisciplinary undergraduate (UG) training experience at East Carolina University (ECU). Our program will enhance STEM retention and matriculation in PhD and MD/PhD programs by maximizing research opportunities for diverse underrepresented (UR) and disadvantaged students interested in biomedical careers. Known nationally for its high ranking in social mobility index and cost-effective education, ECU is a ten-time winner of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award and an ideal environment to foster the professional development of UR students. Our program goals address local and nationwide disparities in STEM education: the dearth of UR students pursuing graduate studies and the loss of UR students from STEM majors in the first two years of baccalaureate training. We will establish a new two-phased MARC Program at ECU (MARC@ECU), drawing from more than 700 exceptionally qualified undergraduates. Phase 1 (pre-MARC) begins with career exploration for prospective students at college orientation sessions and culminates with a new Sophomore level course (Introduction to Research) and innovative new Research Shadowing Program, both designed to make the process of research more visible and tangible. From this pool of students, we will recruit six Junior level students annually into the MARC-funded Phase 2, where trainees complete a structured interdisciplinary curriculum in their major of interest focused on science communication, rigorous scientific methods and analyses, and professional development in preparation for doctoral careers. Mentored undergraduate research experiences are well-established high-impact practices that prepare students for doctoral programs and are the centerpiece of our program, culminating in student composition of a Disciplinary Honors Thesis suitable for publication. Leveraging the unique resources at ECU, including a university-level Office for Undergraduate Research, the MARC@ECU draws together 31 diverse faculty mentors whose work generally falls into four major sub- disciplines of biomedical research. The MARC@ECU will build a stronger, more collaborative research community among UG researchers by pairing them with peer and faculty mentors in a mixture of social and professional development activities and expanded alumni networking opportunities. Although only six students from each cohort will receive MARC support, the other students in each Phase 1 cohort well be well-prepared for other related programs designed to support UR students in STEM already in place, including more than 14 sections of team-centered course-based undergraduate research experiences. In the long-term, these programs along with MARC will help ECU enhance our inclusive environment and foster an immersive undergraduate research community that will nurture our students to develop their innate skills and strengths. The MARC program is an important next step towards creating an institutional shift towards advanced degrees in biomedicine that are likely to have long-lasting impact on our region.