Monell Science Apprenticeship Program: Inspiring Biomedical Careers In Underrepresented Undergraduates - PROJECT SUMMARY
Only about 4% of biomedical scientists at US research institutions and universities are from
underrepresented (UR) groups, even though these groups make up 33% of the US population. To support
diversification of the biomedical workforce, with particular focus on the field of the chemical senses, the
Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) has a mission to increase participation of disadvantaged
and/or UR students in biomedical research. We are meeting this mission: 5 years after participating in the
MSAP, 15/69 (22%) of the cohort is pursuing postgraduate education, more than 50% higher than the 2021
US Census estimate of 14% of the general population 25 and older holding a master’s degree or higher.
Through our proposed innovations for MSAP 2.0, we will expand and enhance this program’s
positive footprint. MSAP 2.0 offers undergraduate students (and high school students, for whom support is
not requested) training at Monell Center, whose mission is to improve health and well-being by advancing the
scientific understanding of taste, smell, and related senses. The 16 faculty members participating in the
MSAP have diverse scientific backgrounds and conduct collaborative research using methods spanning
such disciplines as electrophysiology, molecular biology, genetics, analytical chemistry, and psychophysics
(in both humans and animals). MSAP 2.0 offers full-time, paid apprenticeships that include 8 summer weeks
of structured research activity with a Monell scientist, as well as enrichment activities that include lectures on
the mechanisms and functions of the chemical senses and instruction on public speaking, written
communication, hypothesis testing, and responsible conduct of research. At the concluding Capstone
Symposium, apprentices present their research findings to all scientists at Monell, peers, stakeholders,
teachers, family, and friends. Mentors are supported by diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)
experts, and our evaluation plan ensures an inclusive, safe, and supportive experience for the apprentices.
MSAP 2.0 is structured to specifically meet these goals: (1) develop and implement a systematic recruitment
plan to double UR undergraduate participation in MSAP 2.0; (2) provide UR undergraduates with an
intensive, hands-on biomedical research experience, a didactic program, and mentorship in the field of the
chemical senses; and (3) develop and implement systematic evaluation and long-term mentorship and
networking plans to optimize the impact of MSAP 2.0 on future biomedical career choices. The activities
described in this proposal are both a tangible step toward diversification of the workforce in biomedical
sciences, especially the chemical senses, and a way to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists
to make meaningful contributions to the field. Our 42-year history of continuously running and improving
MSAP provides evidence to anticipate that growth and improvement represented by MSAP 2.0 will lead to
greater future success.
