ISU Bridges to Research Careers - Summary
Pathways to biomedical careers are exceptionally difficult for first generation, limited income
college students and other undergraduate students from underrepresented populations. Student
learning and professional development researchers have identified a critical role for an inclusive
research education community (iREC) in the development of young scientists. The long-term
goal of the proposed program is to help students gain necessary skills, embrace an identity as a
scientist, join a community of scientists, and embark on a biomedical career. To accomplish this,
the investigators will create the ISU Bridges to Research Careers (BRC) program. The objective
of this grant is to create a pathway to biomedical careers for undergraduate students from
underrepresented populations by interweaving a mentoring program for freshmen college
students from underrepresented populations; a bacteriophage discovery & bioinformatics course
developing biomedical research skills using an NIAID-relevant model system; and a biomedical
research network that will provide authentic research opportunities for participants in labs
conducting NIAID-relevant research. The proposed BRC program will effectively reach
undergraduates early in their college career and guide them as they develop into scientists and
embark on biomedical careers. The program efficiently leverages existing activities, providing
tangible opportunities for underserved Idahoans and training participants to meet our nation’s
future biomedical research workforce needs. The BRC program also adheres to best practices
for development of young scientists, creating an iREC that facilitates the development of
participant self-image as a scientist, enhances persistence, and prepares students for
biomedical careers.
