The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire – Mayo Clinic Regenerative Neuroscience Scholars (ReNS) Program
combines the strengths of two complementary institutions committed to supporting student diversity to enable
undergraduates from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM careers (e.g. students of color, students with
disabilities, socioeconomic disadvantage, educational disadvantage) to pursue careers involving research and
Ph.D. training in regenerative neuroscience. UWEC is an undergraduate-focused public state university with
demonstrated excellence in undergraduate research. Mayo Clinic is a world-renowned research organization
and a growing leader in regenerative neuroscience research and training. UWEC and Mayo Clinic have a master
collaborative research agreement, which enables highly coordinated institutional support of this program. The
goals of the ReNS Program are to (1) enable top-quality summer undergraduate research experiences for
students that result in presentations at national conferences and publications, (2) cultivate a curriculum of content
and skills training that supports the success of students in careers in research and Ph.D. training, and (3) promote
supportive mentoring and professional relationship building of students. Based on a proactive recruitment
strategy to connect with first-and second-year students and prospective students, the program recruits cohorts
of 6 students per year for training in research through a spring seminar course at UWEC, a summer research
experience in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program at Mayo Clinic Rochester,
subsequent presentation of their research in multiple conference settings, and long-term support of career
development. The academic curriculum focuses on advancing skills related to research and promoting
professional development and personal identity as a scientist. The research training focuses on developing
laboratory skills and scientific thinking along with creating scientific products (conference presentations,
publications). Mentoring is central to the program; students have mentoring in research with Mayo Clinic faculty,
near-peer mentoring from researchers from diverse backgrounds (postbaccalaureate/graduate students) at
Mayo Clinic, and role model mentoring from UWEC alumni scientists and neuroscientists from diverse
backgrounds through videoconferencing and informational interviews. The program is supported by 2 advisory
committees focused on integral components of program success (recruitment and student success (RSS),
mentoring). With the input of an expert evaluator of STEM diversity initiatives and the advisory committees, the
ReNS program maximizes student success toward successful careers in research and Ph.D. training in
regenerative neuroscience.
