Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity in the Biomedical Sciences (IMSD)

描述(由申请人提供)：一支多样化和训练有素的科学队伍对于推进生物医学研究、改善人类健康和开发有效的疾病治疗方法是必要的。密苏里哥伦比亚大学(MU)是密苏里州唯一一所四年制综合性公立大学，在培养下一代科学家方面发挥着关键作用。作为密苏里大学哥伦比亚分校(MU)致力于科学培训和多样性的一部分，在NIH的事先资助下，我们开发了一个成功的创新项目，为未被充分代表的少数族裔学生做好生物医学研究的准备。我们的学生多样性最大化计划(IMSD)有三个目标。首先，进一步发展对探索生物医学研究感兴趣的少数族裔本科生的支持和参与的同龄人社区。我们将增加墨尔本大学正在探索生物医学研究事业的一年级/二年级学生的数量。第二，扩大面向澳门大学大三/大四学生的项目，让这些具有独立研究经验的高级本科生参与，为他们在生物医学科学领域的研究生学习做好准备。第三，我们将为少数族裔研究生提供一个有系统和有指导的研究环境，让他们在攻读生物医学学科的博士学位时发展成为独立的科学家。我们IMSD项目的进一步发展将对大学的多样性和我们国家的科学劳动力产生重大影响。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A diverse and well-trained scientific workforce is necessary to advance biomedical research, improve human health and to develop effective remedies for disease. The University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) is the only four-year comprehensive public university in the State of Missouri and has a critical role in training the next generation of scientists. As part of the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) commitment to scientific training and diversity, and with prior funding from NIH, we have developed a successful and innovative program to prepare underrepresented minority students for biomedical research. We have three objectives for our Initiative to Maximize Student Diversity (IMSD) program. First, to further develop a supportive and engaged peer community of minority undergraduate students that are interested in exploring biomedical research. We will increase the number of MU freshmen/sophomore students who are exploring a career in biomedical research. Second, we will expand a program targeted at MU junior/senior students that involves these advanced undergraduates in independent research experiences and prepares them for graduate study in the biomedical sciences. Third, we will provide a structured and mentored research environment for minority graduate students to develop into independent scientists as they pursue their PhD degree in a biomedical discipline. Further development of our IMSD program will have a substantial impact on diversity at the University and on our nation's scientific workforce.