MARC Program at Hunter College, CUNY - ABSTRACT The MARC Program at Hunter College aims to increase the number of students from underrepresented (UR) groups in biomedical and behavioral research who enter and successfully complete PhD programs. Hunter College is a large public institution with an incredibly diverse student body, a large proportion of which is striving to overcome a variety of challenging socio-economic disadvantages. Our long-term goal is to increase the commitment of underrepresented students to careers in biomedical research, and to prepare them for successful entry into and completion of highly competitive PhD programs. We propose to utilize the strength and diversity of the Hunter College scientific research laboratories and academic programs to create an effective and supportive training and research environment for MARC scholars. The objective of this proposal is to provide interventions for UR undergraduates pursuing degrees in fields comprising the biomedical sciences and enhance their ability to have successful research careers and effectively communicate and work with multidisciplinary teams. Our rationale for this project is that successful completion of the proposed program will convey to students the technical and professional skills necessary to earn a PhD degree and excel as a biomedical researcher. Our programming will utilize the routes to building scientific self- efficacy and resilience among our MARC students. We will collaborate with the Hunter College’s Skirball Science Learning Center to provide academic support for UR students. We expect to accomplish our objective by pursuing the following three specific aims: (1) Create a robust MARC admissions pool, by leveraging Hunter College student engagement practices to identify and nurture interested freshman and sophomores. We will target students interested in scientific research for interventions that will increase the number of them who meet the course and GPA requirements for MARC admission, and cultivate their desire to pursue a career in scientific research. (2) Deliver high-quality student training, focusing on skills needed for successful STEM research, by providing MARC scholars with appropriate training opportunities at Hunter and other institutions. (3) Provide students with resilience training, academic support, and professional development by helping students hone the necessary skills and drive required to excel in their courses, develop strong self- identification as a scientist, and to thrive as a graduate student. Together, this will increase the number of Hunter College graduates (MARC and non-MARC) pursuing and completing a PhD in biomedical sciences. We will set a benchmark of at least 75% matriculating into STEM PhD programs after participation in the MARC Program, with 80% of those successfully advancing to candidacy in their PhD programs. Progress will be monitored via trainees’ individualized development plans and program evaluation efforts in collaboration with Hunter College’s Office of Assessment.
