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

The future of our nation requires 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 that we are
facing; including new and emergent disease, fundamental processes that affect human health
e.g. nutrition, water safety, plant productivity, normal cellular processes, and mental health.
However, not all sectors of the population have access to opportunities that allow them to become fully engaged in the sciences. Outstanding students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who belonging to certain 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. 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 overarching goal is to broaden participation of those participating in basic biomedical research careers. To increase the pool of high-achieving students who obtain the skills needed to be successful scientists, we propose to continue and enhance several levels of intervention, including Summer Math and Language Arts, a five-week workshop for entering Freshmen, and Science 100: Science for Life, 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 PI 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 their completing Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. We shall solicit applications for the mentored research component from students enrolled at CSUN, from students enrolled in the local community colleges. CSUN has diverse student body reflecting the population of the surrounding service area as well as has a large population of disabled (hard of hearing) and Pell eligible students. The U-RISE Advisory Committee will select trainees from these pools. The goal of this research component is to place 80% of students who complete the program in Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. programs. In the previous 15 years of MARC U*STAR, program (2003-18), student persistence in Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. programs is 88%. We expect similar outcomes from this new U-RISE program.