VT-ESTEEMED

摘要

Abstract Among the many social justice issues that our nation continues to confront, health disparities, especially underrepresentation in the biomedical workforce remains one of the most tractable. The lack of representation in the proportion of minorities, especially black men, who go on to obtain a STEM degree remains alarming. Among the factors responsible for this lack of diversity are the switching out of STEM majors by the end of the sophomore years and the challenging environments many URMs face at research intensive (R1) institutions. Virginia Tech’s ESTEEMED (VT ESTEEMED) program will provide the foundation and tools necessary from disciplines that include biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, math and statistics for our scholars to succeed in obtaining their undergraduate degrees and pursuing graduate degrees in biomedical engineering. To accomplish this broad goal of increasing diversity in the biomedical workforce, this revised VT ESTEEMED, which addressed all the “minor weaknesses” in the “01,” will use program faculty and PIs with outstanding history of research productivity, training and mentoring of students from diverse backgrounds. Specific Aims of the VT ESTEEMED research education program are: 1. Recruit 8 entering Freshmen, each year, for a total of 32 to become VT ESTEEMED scholars who will have the foundation necessary to succeed in getting a BS and pursuing a graduate degree in biomedical engineering; 2. Create a bridge program that will provide a smooth transition to college for VT ESTEEMED scholars and to help them develop a familiarity with the fundamentals of biomedical science and the process of “entering research;”3. Provide a mentored research experience that will enhance student learning and engagement that will also translate into academic retention and success; 4. Create learning opportunities for ESTEEMED scholar-led developmental activities including literature review sessions, research progress/status updates, and the cohosting of speakers; and 5. Engage ESTEEMED scholars in summer activities that includes research training and the acquiring of skills that include communication including writing and oral, and mentoring and leadership. With outstanding leadership skills locally and nationally, the ESTEEMED program directors and the potential faculty mentors bring a history of exemplary scholarly achievements in STEM and URM training and development.