PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The overall objective of this proposal is to facilitate the matriculation, training, and graduation of
underrepresented (UR) doctoral scholars at MUSC. The intended outcome is to increase the number of UR
students who complete the PhD degree and are fully equipped for diverse careers in biomedical sciences,
leading to an increase in the number of UR faculty teaching and conducting biomedical research in U.S.
colleges and universities. Our approach is built upon and supported by a strong institutional commitment, the
presence of a diverse and robust scientific environment, and advances made by a previous R25 IMSD.
Students at MUSC take part in a broad array of research foci including cardiovascular biology, regenerative
medicine, cancer, neuroscience, drug discovery, structural biology, and biostatistics and epidemiology. There
are pipeline programs for high school students, undergraduate students, postdocs, and faculty at MUSC. This
IMSD program complements and synergizes with existing efforts while providing the only program for UR
graduate students in the biomedical sciences training program at MUSC.
In this IMSD, we anticipate supporting 9 doctoral scholars per year (1st through 3rd year of graduate
training), using interconnecting strategies to ensure their success. Initiatives to accomplish our goals
include 1) innovative recruitment strategies targeted to colleges, universities, and national meetings having a
large constituency of UR undergraduate students including hosting an applicant preview weekend and
networking with MUSC PREP program colleagues, 2) courses to address changes in the biomedical research
landscape including bioinformatics/big data, 3) individualized career track training such as accelerate to
academia (A2A), accelerate to industry (A2i), entrepreneurship, teaching and community
engagement/government/policy intramural and extramural programs, 4) career development workshops and
guidance on writing and submitting grant proposals led by a group of faculty dedicated to their success, 5)
promotion of community/cross-disciplinary interactions/leadership via involvement in summer undergraduate
and PREP programs, 6) management of psychosocial stress through counseling/psychological services, one-
on-one coffee socials, and personalized coaching program, 7) promotion of self-efficacy through recognition of
IMSD scholars’ accomplishments at various platforms and motivational/wellness challenges, and 8) facilitation
of career networking of IMSD scholars by supporting them to give talks at their undergraduate institutions,
attend national meetings and a yearly symposium of PREP and IMSD-containing institutions, and an annual
retreat with an invited speaker. Internal and external advisory committees will provide oversight for the
program. Committee members have regular interactions with IMSD scholars allowing them to serve as career
mentors as well. The program will be evaluated using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches.
In conclusion, IMSD graduates will be prepared for diverse career tracks in the biomedical sciences.