Bridges to the Baccalaureate Research Training Program T34

摘要

ABSTRACT The North Idaho Bridges to Baccalaureate (NI-B2B) program will establish an enduring partnership between the University of Idaho (U of I) and North Idaho College (NIC). We identified a large cohort of biology-interested undergraduate students at NIC, half of whom are from populations underrepresented (UR) in sciences. The number of NIC students who transfer to complete a biomedical related bachelor’s degree at U of I is low (~35 students per year) and there are few undergraduate research opportunities for NIC students. Surveys of NIC students revealed barriers to transfer including lack of knowledge about degree plans and financial hardships. A self-assessment conducted at U of I identified undergraduate research-oriented departments and mentors with experience supporting UR in science students. These self-studies are the basis for the proposed five- year project to increase the number and diversity of students in biomedical research by partnering NIC students with U of I faculty mentors. To do so, we will pursue two program objectives: 1) increase the number of NIC to U of I transfer students by 10% per year of the program (from 35 to 55+ per year over five years) and 2) increase the graduation rate and matriculation of U of I UR students into graduate research programs by 50% over baseline during the project period. Rationale: NIC currently offers only six research opportunities for >1,800 biology-interested students and has a low go-on rate, limiting the pipeline of UR students into graduate research programs and careers. The NI-B2B program will develop a pipeline program to increase the number and diversity of students entering graduate research programs and careers. Research Training Program Design: The program objectives will be met by achieving the following program goals: Aim 1. Increase the number and diversity of students pursuing biomedical research careers by developing a transfer pathway for NIC students. We will integrate interdisciplinary Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) labs into existing NIC courses to promote transfer and completion of a four-year degree. The CURE course will also serve to introduce and recruit applicants into the NI-B2B program. Aim 2. Immerse NI-B2B scholars in biomedical research experiences. We will immerse cohorts of 6 NIC students in biomedical research experiences with a faculty mentor at U of I during the summers before and after bridging to U of I. Aim 3. Prepare NI-B2B scholars for graduate studies by embedding them in a mentored research environment and by helping students develop competitive graduate program applications. We will integrate students into a research team and a NI-B2B scholars cohort. Students will learn to conduct independent research in a mentored research environment and learn to interpret and communicate scientific results as they consolidate a scientist identity. Students will prepare to take the GRE and learn to select and develop tailored graduate program applications as part of the NI-B2B cohort.