Raise Awareness In Students Early (RAISE) Host and Microbe Program

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PROJECT SUMMARY The overarching goal of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Raise Awareness In Students Early (RAISE) Host and Microbe Program is to increase the number of qualified individuals from groups underrepresented in the biomedical and clinical workforce who pursue a graduate STEM degree and career that bridges microbiology and immunology. To accomplish this goal, the RAISE Program will provide research experience and academic enrichment that authentically serve underrepresented students in ways that achieve retention, equity, access, and life-changing outcomes for students. The program will support nine students from economically and/or socially disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented ethnic and racial groups. Students will be recruited from the Southeast with priority given to applicants from South Carolina non- research-intensive higher education institutions including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The RAISE program will: 1) recruit diverse undergraduate students who demonstrate ambition and determination to pursue a graduate-level STEM degree; 2) implement a summer training program that will prepare students for graduate/professional school admission and a biomedical research career; 3) nurture the professional growth of students and enhance their integration into the academic culture and community; 4) implement a support program to assist students during the transition from undergraduate to graduate/professional school, and 5) conduct a process and outcome evaluation to ensure the program responds to emerging needs and meets the students’ short term and long term objectives. Dr. Yilmaz, DDS, PhD. and Dr. Westwater, PhD. with their complementary backgrounds in academic mentoring bring forth an integrated undergraduate program encompassing basic science, clinical knowledge, and team-based leadership. During the 10-week summer program students will conduct a biomedical hypothesis-driven project under the guidance of a faculty mentor whose research program is aligned with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) scientific priorities. Training will include academic skills development, scientific communication, professional networking, work-life management skills, and responsible conduct of research training. Trainees will gain an appreciation for the translational relevance of their studies through interprofessional experiences in a clinical setting. The program will culminate with a formal presentation at the MUSC Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, a one-day conference in which students present their research to their peers and mentors. Each student will be paired via the Big Sister/Brother Program with a graduate student, who will provide professional and social support while on the MUSC campus. Students’ will continue to receive career advancement support after graduating from the program through the RAISE Alumni Network. Ultimately, the program will prepare the next generation of skilled, rigorous, and creative scientists who will improve the Nations capacity to address and eliminate health disparities related to infectious disease and diseases of the immune system.