Diversity in Biomedical Sciences Via Personalized Research and Education Programs

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The number of underrepresented minorities (URM) receiving graduate training in the biological and physical sciences continues to be small despite increases in the total population. Major obstacles for URMs applying to and being admitted to graduate programs in the biomedical sciences include limited research experience, limited advanced courses in the life sciences, unfamiliarity with the application process, and unawareness of career opportunities for PhD's. Recognizing these issues and the need to increasing the diversity of its own doctoral programs and faculty as well as the field as a whole, Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences initiated a formal post-baccalaureate pilot program in the life sciences called the Research Scholar Initiative (RSI) in 2012 and through funding from NIGMS, improved and expanded the pilot program through establishment of a Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) in 2016 which we call (RSI PREP). 17 RSI PREPScholars have completed the program with 82% entering PhD programs. While the program has been successful in achieving many of the goals, early evaluation of the program, has identified some areas of improvement. RSI PREP will provide a 1-2 year research and educational training opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing PhDs in the biomedical sciences. The goals are to 1) provide a personalized research education and training opportunity for 8 scholars/yr with at least 90% completing at least one year of the program; 2) have a minimum of 85% apply to and be admitted to PhD programs or in some cases, MD/PhD programs in the biomedical sciences; 3) increase trainees preparation and comfort with academic and research skills important for success in PhD programs; 4) have a minimum of 85% of trainees that enter PhD programs complete the PhD; 5) institutional impact via increasing the diversity of our PhD and MD-PhD programs and continuing to change faculty perceptions. Goals will be achieved by 1) RSI PREP Scholars doing independent research with faculty in the Life Sciences at for one year and possibly two years; 2) developing a personalized program to enhance academic preparation (e.g., quantitative methods, cell biology, computing, writing , etc.,); 3) Establishing an advisory committee for each scholar to expand their mentoring network; 4) Having Scholars participate in a program- specific course and workshops designed to build skills critical for graduate school success; and 5) Familiarize scholars with a graduate training environment by providing opportunities to interact with current students and faculty in our program and other programs in the area; 6) providing faculty with the opportunity to engage with the RSI PREP Scholars.