U-RISE at San Francisco State University

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The goal of the U-RISE program at San Francisco State University (SFSU) is to develop a diverse pool of scientists earning a PhD, who have the skills to successfully transition into careers in the biomedical research workforce. San Francisco State University has dramatically increased the number of underrepresented (UR) undergraduate students from SFSU that enter and succeed in PhD programs in the biomedical sciences during the past 20 years of NIH support. Prior to the NIH funded training programs, only one SFSU UR undergraduate student per decade entered a biomedically relevant PhD program. Today, every year more than 13 undergraduate UR SFSU students are being admitted into top PhD programs. We propose to continue our successes in preparing SFSU U-RISE trainees for PhD programs in the biomedical sciences while embracing the challenges associated with improving and enhancing our research and academic training effectiveness. We will prepare 32 highly qualified underrepresented junior/senior students each year in a rigorous science curriculum and provide them with high quality and stimulating research experiences. We will also provide academic and professional skills activities to enhance competitiveness for PhD programs. To adapt to the rapidly evolving biomedical research training landscape, we plan to continue to enhance these best practices as the foundation for the seminars, workshops, science literacy and communication series, community building, computational skills, and colloquium and honors courses in this new U-RISE program. In the proposed U-RISE program we will focus on 1) improving and enhancing computational and quantitative skills, 2) strengthening writing and science communication skills, and 3) expanding alumni networks and near-peer mentoring. To achieve our overall training goals, we will pursue the following measurable objectives: Objective 1: At least 75% of participants will enter biomedical PhD programs. Objective 2: Ensure that U-RISE trainees are progressing in the research and academic skills training that will enhance 1) success in completing an undergraduate STEM degree and 2) success in PhD programs. Objective 3: Expand our academic and scientific skills training to enhance competitiveness and success in biomedical PhD programs. Specifically, training in computational and quantitative skills, enhancing scientific writing and communication skills, and building a strong near-peer alumni network.