University of Houston Cardiovascular Undergraduate Research Experience (UH-CURE) - Project Summary: The University of Houston Cardiovascular Undergraduate Research Experience (UH-CURE) builds on over 40 years of internationally recognized cardiovascular research and over 10 years of a broad-based Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at the University of Houston. The overall goal of UH-CURE is to provide the next generation of diverse cardiovascular researchers with transdisciplinary research experience and a toolbox of translatable skills to prepare them for successful research careers. The Specific Aims are 1) To engage 10 underrepresented undergraduate (UR) students per year in cutting-edge cardiovascular research across disciplinary lines, with the goal that 80% of students report that UH-CURE has increased their interest in cardiovascular research; (2) To develop responsible research skills, with the goal that 100% of students and mentors will report an increase in student ability and confidence to conduct research experiments and analyze data responsibly; (3) To increase awareness of the importance of transdisciplinary research, diversity, and collaborations, with the goal that 80% of participants report that UH-CURE has greatly increased their awareness of transdisciplinary research opportunities and significance; (4) To cultivate the basic and transferable skills necessary for succeeding in graduate school and a subsequent career in research, with the goal that 80% of students will report or demonstrate a strongly increased transferable skill set and confidence in applying for and succeeding in graduate school; (5) To facilitate UR undergraduate students to pursue further training in cardiovascular research, with the goal that 70% pursue further research training. These Aims will be met by (1) introducing participants to a breadth of cardiovascular research across disciplinary lines and emphasizing the significance and innovation of the research, including a cohort trip to a national research conference; (2) integrating participants into a productive research laboratory where students will learn critical research skills, data analysis, and research integrity; (3) providing engaging panels and discussions on transdisciplinary and clinician-scientist collaborations; (4) leading interactive sessions for communication and presentation skills, mental health and wellness strategies and resources, and National Research Mentor Network training for cultural sensitivity and competency; and (5) providing insight for crafting an individual development plan, building a CV and graduate school application, and understanding cardiovascular career opportunities. Progress on achieving our goals will be evaluated through numerous participant and mentor surveys, individual discussions with the Program Director, and analysis of brief mid- and end-of-summer project presentations and written summaries.
