Peach State Bridges to the Doctorate - Advancement of science is enhanced when the most talented researchers apply relevant innovative and creative approaches to address healthcare challenges. This proposal seeks to establish the Peach State Bridges to the Doctorate Program (PSB2D) at Kennesaw State University, in partnership with the University of Georgia, to increase the number of innately talented students entering doctoral programs in the biomedical sciences. In so doing, we will advance NIH’s mission to advance research through the development of human capital. The innate abilities of these students will be developed further and polished by immersion in our Master of Science in Integrative Biology (MSIB) or Master of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry (MSCB) degree programs. In combination with the training and guidance provided by the PSB2D program, our graduates will transition into doctoral programs in the biomedical sciences. Four ambitious objectives have been set to achieve this goal: (1) recruit four talented students per year for five years into a master’s degree as a bridge into a biomedical doctoral (PhD) program; (2) retain and (3) train at least 80% of PSB2D students and provide exceptional MS research opportunities; (4) facilitate the successful passage of at least 80% of PSB2D students into doctoral programs. These educational activities support NIH’s mission of enhancing the training of a workforce to meet the nation's biomedical research needs. A pool of outstanding students interested in pursuing a biomedical PhD or MD/PhD degree will be selected into the PSB2D program. Directed research and enrichment activities are planned for the two-year appointment of each trainee. The first year will feature training in foundational research skills, responsible conduct of research, methods to enhance reproducibility, thesis development, and workshops to prepare trainees for doctoral program applications in the fall. Monthly Bridges meetings will build collegiality, cohesion, and scientific communication. The second year will focus on doctoral application preparation, in addition to further research training. PSB2D scholars will receive peer and faculty mentoring throughout the two-year appointment. Networking opportunities with biomedical professionals (academia, industry, private sector) will be featured in seminars. An advisory committee will oversee program effectiveness. Using measurable objectives, survey instruments will be deployed by an external evaluator to assess mentee training and mentor effectiveness. We will modify our program as needed, based on assessment outcomes. Results will be disseminated on our program website, in conference proceedings, and journal publications. If we are successful, we will help NIH develop the biomedical workforce by matriculating at least 12 Bridges trainees into biomedical PhD programs over the five years of this project.
