MARC Program at the University of Texas at Dallas - PROJECT SUMMARY Institutional data from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) has uncovered that our underrepresented (UR) undergraduate students are less likely to participate in research activities because of their lack of laboratory training, lack of familiarity with biomedical careers upon college entry, and overall inability to volunteer their time to research because of their need to work for pay. Despite strong research participation from our overall undergraduate population, we are unable to garner the same representation from underrepresented minority (URM) students, students with disabilities, or financially challenged students even though UTD is a diverse STEM-focused, research-intensive university located in the fourth largest metropolitan area of the US. We designed the MARC at UTD program to address our shortcomings and promote equity in biomedical research. We anticipate a 500-1000/yr pool of STEM undergraduates who would be eligible to apply to the MARC at UTD program. Our research strengths include imaging, computational approaches, engineering, neuroscience, molecular biology, and entrepreneurship development aimed at scientists. The specific objectives of this three- year (per cohort) program are to: 1) To equip a select group of carefully identified undergraduates (i.e., MARC fellows) who do not need previous research experience with the necessary skills to thrive in a biomedical research laboratory; 2) To financially support this cohort of select MARC fellows who would otherwise need to work to allow them the necessary time to engage in continuous, productive biomedical research; and 3) To provide career mentorship and professional skill development to these MARC fellows. In order to equip MARC fellows with laboratory skills, they will initially enroll in an Introduction to Biomedical Research Skills Course. This course will train students in techniques commonly utilized in biomedical research, in safe and ethical laboratory practices and statistics, and in scientific communication prior to starting research. Following this, our MARC fellows will complete biomedical research with a final objective of presenting at a national research conference, preparation of a manuscript for publication, and successful application to a biomedical graduate program. This extensive 2.5 years of research will include academic year research, one summer at UTD, and one summer with an external partner. The MARC program expects to support 30 students over five years (three separate cohorts). MARC participants will be matched with a faculty research mentor, a career mentor, and a near-peer mentor to guide them through the various facets of scientific discovery and professional development. Of particular importance is the creation of an individual development plan (IDP) that will fit the needs and experiences of each participant. Upon program completion, MARC fellows will be prepared to excel in graduate research in biomedicine.
