The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) proposes to increase the number of well-trained, highly qualified
neuroscientists from underrepresented populations. Accelerating the research training of students from
underrepresented ethnic/racial groups, students with disabilities, first generation students, and students from
lower income backgrounds is central to efforts to broaden participation and enhance inclusiveness in the
service of stronger science. UNR is the land grant university of Nevada, and is an R1 institution with a strong
tradition of educating students whose access to higher education historically has been limited. Our primary
partner and neighbor institution, Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), is a Hispanic Serving
Institution with an outstanding record of preparing students to transition to upper level undergraduate education
at UNR. The proposed Nevada ENDURE program will facilitate an intensive two-year training program for 12-
14 trainees per year. During the academic year, trainees will conduct research and participate in weekly
professional development and skills training seminars at UNR. During each summer, trainees will participate in
summer research programs at our summer educational partner institutions: the University of California,
Berkeley, the University of California, Davis, the University of Michigan, and Stanford University. We propose
five activities: (1) To provide scientific skills and research experiences through placements with actively funded
neuroscientists, (2) To implement academic curriculum enhancement and professional development activities
to augment trainees' research activities, (3) To facilitate effective mentoring by program faculty, (4) To maintain
an effective Administrative Core to support trainees' development, evaluate program effectiveness, and
disseminate best practices, and (5) To expand the ENDURE network and pipeline of talented
underrepresented students to doctoral programs in neuroscience. Our measurable objectives during the
requested funding period include: (1) attainment of 85-90% admission to doctoral programs in neuroscience,
(2) improvement of trainees' research and quantitative skills, and (3) improvement in trainees' scientific writing
and presentation skills.