IRACDA at OHSU - Project Summary/Abstract A diverse U.S. biomedical research workforce is necessary for improving health through innovative basic, clinical, and translational research. Despite decades of efforts to increase representation of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in science, representation remains unacceptably low in academia. IRACDA at OHSU is a proposed mentored postdoctoral career development training program that will partner with Pacific University to provide teaching training and opportunities for a diverse group of IRACDA scholars from experienced and invested teaching mentors. The main objective of IRACDA at OHSU is to recruit and train a diverse pool of postdoctoral scholars in safe and inclusive environments that will ensure their successful transition to independent academic research and teaching careers. Scholars will be trained in conducting rigorous and reproducible research, as well as scientific teaching principles and evidence-based pedagogy practices. A cohort of 3 scholars will be appointed each year, which will provide a good balance between creating a community of fellows and the program's ability to provide personalized training and mentoring. Scholars will be selected based on academic achievement and potential, as well as on the strength of the potential mentor-mentee match. To facilitate a positive experience, all OHSU IRACDA research mentors are required to complete training in the OHSU Mentoring Academy. Moreover, during scholar onboarding, mentors will work closely with scholars to generate a detailed Individual Development Plan (IDP) that will incorporate a research plan with focus on rigor and reproducibility, as well as a personalized career development plan. The teaching mentors at Pacific University have a record of excellence in evidence-based approaches to teaching in a STEM field. The IRACDA at OHSU training plan has concurrent paths in each year of the fellowship for mentored research, career development, and teaching training. Year 1 is focused on setting the scholars up for success during their training, with foundational programming such as the IDP, formal training in responsible training of research, monthly program seminars, and training in teaching pedagogy and tools. Year 2 centers training as an iterative process involving practice and feedback for presenting research, grant writing, mentoring, and teaching. Activities in year 3 are designed to provide the scholars with opportunities to reflect on their practices, embrace growth opportunities, and prepare for the transition to independent positions by applying for independent funding. Scholars will explore networking opportunities at OHSU, Pacific University, and at National/International Scientific Conferences at least once per year, and receive manuscript and grant writing training, as well as assistance preparing application materials for faculty positions. IRACDA at OHSU will benefit both post-doctoral fellows, as well as the partner institution, by providing new and improved science curriculum, authentic research experiences and critical mentoring for underrepresented students to enhance academic advancement and train the next generation of scientists.
