Integration of Research, Mentoring and Professional Skill Building for Master's Students to Bridge to a PhD Program in Biomedical Science

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California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP), the lead institution for this grant, is partnering with the University of California, Riverside (UCR), the RO1 institution, in a Bridges Master’s of Science (MS) to the Doctorate Program (2021-2025). The overall program goal is to increase the number of MS students from underrepresented minority (URM) racial and ethnic groups, low socio-economic backgrounds and those with disabilities successfully transitioning to PhD programs in biomedical research. There will be 4 Cohorts of 6 MS students per year (24 students total). Each student will have a CPP Faculty Research Mentor (FRM), a UCR FRM, a CPP Faculty Advisor (FA) and a UCR FA. Bridges students will have 2 years to complete their MS research project at CPP, participate in research-related skills at both institutions, take a UCR course and conduct a 10-week summer research internship at UCR. The grant objectives will be: a) students complete MS programs, are accepted and make a successful transition to a PhD program; b) students increase research knowledge and skills needed to become biomedical independent researchers; c) students increase confidence in preparedness for PhD programs; d) students deepen awareness of biomedical careers; e) CPP-UCR partnership creates an integrated support system, faculty development, and networking for students to succeed in PhD programs. Short term outcomes will be: 1) completion of doctoral program within 5 years; 2) presentation and publication of their research; 3) CPP expands STEM research collaborations with UCR, other RO1 institutions and STEM industries; 4) increase CPP and UCR support of URM students through research opportunities, and post-doctoral positions. Long term outcomes will be: 1) Bridges support system is integrated and sustained at CPP and UCR; 2) STEM careers are supported by students’ families; 3) gaps closed in preparation and professional representation of diverse groups in STEM research; 4) barriers of difference removed to create an inclusive STEM community. Each student will be matched and integrated into CPP FRM and UCR FRM labs, present research findings, attend seminars, journal clubs, workshops and scientific conferences at both institutions. To enhance faculty mentoring, the CPP and UCR faculty will participate in professional development workshops and, since most faculty have limited industry experience while a majority of the new PhDs enter industrial positions, faculty will be encouraged to do a 4-6 week residency in industry. In addition to student panel discussions, Bridges students will be paired with CPP MS alumni or UCR PhD predoctoral candidates to provide near-peer mentoring. Leveraging these activities will build student confidence, communication skills, scientific ethical behavior, STEM networking and awareness of future career opportunities. Sense of community will expand further by inviting students’ families to program socials at the beginning, middle and end of the program to engage family. By nurturing a sense of community amongst the Bridges students, their mentors, and their families, the students will have a strong support network to help them complete a PhD and have a successful STEM career.