Increasing Research Experiences for Multicultural Students

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The purpose of this proposal is to is to establish a mentored, research-intensive summer program for undergraduate under-represented minority students with the goal of increasing their interest, application and matriculation into biomedical science doctoral program at UConn Health or other US institutions and, an eventual research career in the biological sciences, through deliberate co-curricular activities that include research engagement in basic or translational NHLBI based research projects; participation in special workshops, seminars, and courses; careful academic and career mentoring; and incorporation into the campus scientific community through interaction with committed faculty with proven track records of mentoring and other successful science students. The application seeks funding to support 8 undergraduate students/ year for summer research in biomedical research such who will participate in the10 week increasing Research Experiences for Multicultural Students (iREM) program at UConn Health. The objectives are (1) to aid in the recruitment of underrepresented students and students with disabilities who are currently rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in STEM program at an accredited university into our summer program in order to establish a pipeline for these students into ours as well as other graduate schools. Through these actions we should increase the diversity of our biomedical workforce, both in the state of CT and beyond, (2) to teach our trainees about the rigor of which biomedical sciences is performed through an intensive mentored research experience in an established basic science or translational laboratory and improve their research-related skills and confidence in those skills, especially in areas of interest to the NHLBI, (3) to provide our trainees with career guidance, intra-program and post-program mentoring and unique Coaching system that allows them to make informed decisions on their future professions, (4) to provide an inclusive environment where trainees develop a sense of belonging in the biomedical science profession. Applicants will be recruited nationwide through personal contacts with undergraduate program directors, promotion of the program at minority science student research or career conferences, emails to science program directors, website and on-line advertisements. Students will be selected based on their interest in research, intellectual competence, and teacher assessment of cognitive and personal skill. The directors of the program will encourage the iREM Admissions Committee to take a holistic approach to the selection process, and train faculty on the impact that implicit bias has on applicant. The program will be evaluated by the trainees and faculty research mentors. The constituent relationship management tool Slate will be used for follow-up activities including regular email contact with trainees to provide advice and networking opportunities, a twice-yearly alumni newsletter, a periodically- updated alumni directory, campus visits and informal telephone calls. Slate will also allow us to track the applicants and their career paths.