MARC U*STAR Program at the University of California, Los Angeles

描述(由申请人提供)：加州大学洛杉矶分校MARC U-STAR项目的总体目标是增加那些成功进入高选择性、研究密集型机构的研究生课程并随后完成生物医学领域博士学位的未被充分代表的少数族裔(URM)本科生的数量。要求继续支持在未来5年内每年培训16名学生，并建立一个新的MARC Prep(参与研究丰富计划)，以提高符合MARC资格的本科生的深度和质量，并扩大加州大学洛杉矶分校MARC培训计划的机构影响。这项申请建立在1996年开始的一个非常成功的项目基础上。自2003年以来，65名MARC学员中有48人(74%)在毕业后进入博士或博士合并项目。具体目标1将通过MARC Prep加强符合MARC U-STAR标准的学生的学术和社会融合，以巩固他们作为科学家的身份，加强他们为科学研究做准备，并增加更多定量科学专业的学生的代表性，并增加管道项目的申请者比例。可衡量的目标是：1)量化专业的学员人数比上一次授权期增加一倍；2)成为MARC U-STAR学员的流水线学生数量至少增加50%；3)至少50%的MARC预备研讨会学生申请MARC U-STAR；以及4)参加MARC预备课程的学生在其生命科学入门课程中的成绩将高于平均水平。具体目标2加强学员的科学知识和技能发展，以增加他们对尖端科学研究的了解，提高他们的科学交流技能，并发展他们跨科学领域的批判性思维能力。可衡量的目标是：1)所有受训人员每年在两次或两次以上的会议上发表演讲；2)至少有一半的受训人员申请研究生研究奖学金。具体目标3支持和激励受训者，让他们保持参与，增加他们在STEM领域毕业并继续活跃于研究的可能性。可衡量的目标是：1)所有学员获得STEM理科学士学位；2)至少一半的学员积极参与科学外展活动；3)至少一半的MARC学员每年至少与MARC校友进行一次有计划的互动。特定目标4监控和建议MARC U-STAR学员，帮助他们在学术课程中取得更大成功，促进成功的导师指导，并增加他们完成生物医学研究高级学位的可能性。可衡量的目标是：1)每年至少有一半的MARC讲师参加期刊俱乐部；2)至少一半的MARC实习生以3.3或以上的累积GPA毕业；以及3)从加州大学洛杉矶分校毕业后的3年内，至少80%的MARC实习生进入排名靠前的博士研究生课程。拟议的MARC U-STAR培训和预科发展努力的累积效果应该会增加最好的博士研究项目的少数族裔候选人池。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall goal of the UCLA MARC U-STAR Program is to increase the number of underrepresented minority (URM) undergraduates who successfully enroll into graduate programs at highly selective, research-intensive institutions, and subsequently complete a Ph.D. in biomedical fields. Continued support is requested to train 16 students per year over the next 5 years, and to establish a new MARC PREP (Participation in Research Enrichment Program) that will enhance the depth and quality of MARC-eligible undergraduate students as well as broaden the institutional impact of the MARC training program at UCLA. This application builds on a highly successful program begun in 1996. Since 2003, 48 of 65 MARC trainees (74%) have entered into either PhD or combined PhD programs following graduation. Specific aim 1 will increase the academic and social integration of MARC U-STAR eligible students through MARC PREP to solidify their identification as scientists, strengthen their preparation for scientific research and augment the representation of students majoring in the more quantitative sciences, and increase the percentage of applicants from pipeline programs. The measurable objectives are: 1) doubling the number of trainees from quantitative majors over the previous grant period; 2) increasing by at least 50% the number of pipeline students that become MARC U-STAR trainees; 3) having at least 50% of MARC PREP seminar students apply to MARC U-STAR; and 4) students participating in MARC PREP workshops will have higher than average grades in their introductory life science courses. Specific aim 2 enhances the scientific knowledge and skill development of trainees to increase their understanding of cutting-edge scientific research, advance their scientific communication skills and develop their ability to think critically across scientific areas. The measurable objectives are: 1) all trainees making presentations at two or more conferences each year and 2) at least half of trainees applying for graduate research fellowships. Specific aim 3 supports and motivates trainees to keep them engaged and increase their likelihood of graduating within a STEM field and remaining active in research. The measurable objectives are: 1) graduating all trainees with a STEM B.S; 2) at least half of trainees active in science outreach activities; and 3 at least half of MARC trainees having at least one planned interaction with MARC Alumni each year. Specific aim 4 monitors and advises MARC U-STAR trainees to help them become more successful in their academic courses, promote successful preceptor mentoring, and increase the likelihood that they complete advanced degrees in biomedical research. The measurable objectives are: 1) at least half of MARC preceptors participating in journal club per year; 2) at least half of MARC trainees graduating with a cumulative GPA at or above 3.3; and 3) within 3 years of graduating from UCLA, at least 80% of MARC trainees entering highly ranked Ph.D. graduate programs. The cumulative effect of the proposed MARC U-STAR training and PREP development efforts should increase the pool of minority candidates for the best PhD research programs.