U-RISE Training the Next Generation of Basic Biomedical Researchers A Holistic Approach

Project Summary/Abstract. We seek to establish the Undergraduate Research Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). We use a growth mindset as a scaffolding for the activities and interventions we propose in this new program. The future of our nation needs scientific expertise to maintain our current global status and to help overcome the significant issues that confront humanity. This requires that this nation develops and trains the people who can solve problems facing us such as new and emergent disease such as Covid-19, gain a fundamental understanding of processes that affect human health, including nutrition, water safety, plant productivity, normal vs. abnormal cellular processes, and mental health. However, not all sectors of the population have access to opportunities that prepare them to become fully engaged in the sciences and to lead the scientific enterprise. U.S. citizens and permanent residents belonging to certain ethnic groups are significantly underrepresented in their participation in the scientific enterprise (including basic biomedical sciences), technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as are economically/socially disadvantaged and disabled people. By doing authentic research and presenting it we expect students develop a strong self-efficacy and agency as scientists. We will equip the participants with an understanding of the barriers and the means to overcome them that as UR they will likely face in science. We will accomplish this through readings on bias and hegemony, that serves to exclude UR students from science. The overarching goal is to broaden diversity of those participating in basic biomedical research careers. To increase the pool of high-achieving students, we propose to continue and enhance several levels of intervention, including Summer Math and Language Arts for a one-month workshop, Science 100, and a new Freshmen seminar series. Some of these high-achieving students will apply to the mentored research component of the U-RISE program. The trainees will receive training in responsible conduct in research, molecular biology, conduct authentic research, advisement, mentoring from PIs and research preceptors, attend U-RISE seminar series, statistics and research rigor, opportunities to practice critical thinking skills, and communication. This structured program will ultimately prepare them for graduate school and lead to the Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. Applications for the mentored research component will be solicited from students enrolled at CSUN and from students enrolled in the local community colleges. Historically under represented students are Afro-Americans, Mexican-Americans and other Latinos, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos and Southeast Asians. CSUN also has a large population of disabled and Pell eligible students. The U-RISE Advisory Committee will select trainees from these pools. The goal of this research component is to place 70% of students who complete the program in Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. programs. In the previous 15 years of MARC U*STAR, program (2004-19), student persistence in Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. programs is 88%. We expect similar outcomes from this new U-RISE program.