Monday, May 26, 2025
5/26/2025
U-RISE at the University of West Florida - SUMMARY: The proposed UWF U-RISE Scholars Program, modeled after the successful model Meyerhoff Scholars Program, combines a successful model MARC Scholars Program with best practices from the UWF Chemistry Scholars Program proven to increase persistence, graduation, and matriculation to PhD and MD-PhD degrees for underrepresented students at the University of West Florida (UWF). The U-RISE Scholars pool of students will include underrepresented students, specifically racial and ethnic minorities, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and students with disabilities. Twelve years after establishing Chem Scholars in 2011, the ethnically UR Chemistry graduates have increased from an average 6% during 2009-2012 to an average 30% during 2012- 2022. The percentage of ethnically UR students pursuing biomedically relevant PhD or MD-PhD degrees has increased from 0% during 2010-2012 to an average 60% in 2012-2022. Perhaps more impressive is the average past 5-year percentage of ethnically UR majors matriculating to PhD or MD/PhD programs exceeds the percentage of non-UR by 14%. NIH-funded MARC Scholars expanded the model into Biology, Mechanical Engineering and Physics in 2014. To date, 34 underrepresented MARC Scholars have been accepted, 93% of MARC Scholars (28 of the 30 MARC Scholars) graduated with a BS degree (Biology, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering and/or Physics), and 80% (24 of the 30) of MARC Scholar graduates have matriculated to PhD or MD-PhD programs, 1 MARC graduate is enrolled in a NIH-funded PREP, 1 is enrolled in a MS program, and 2 graduates went directly into the biomedical workforce. The proposed U-RISE Scholars Program will continue to encompass the four major components of the model programs with several additions. U-RISE Scholars will provide the following: 1) academic and social integration via the a 2-year research experience (on and off campus) and STEM Living Learning Community; 2) rigorous academic preparation via professional development workshops and a seminar series tailored specifically for STEM and biomedical topics, a STEM Writing course, an RCR and Enhancing Reproducibility course and research experience both at UWF and R-1 institutions; 3) a support system implemented through U-RISE Scholars, “intrusive advising,” and regulated mentoring and advising for both academic coursework, research, and U-RISE Scholars; 4) preparation for U-RISE Scholars, matriculation to graduate school, and ultimately to a research career through individual development plans, application materials preparation, and resume building workshops; 5) support and training to develop Wellness and Resilience to help Scholars understand the critical and symbiotic nature of emotional and physical health to be live a successful and fulfilled life (personally and professionally). These resources are currently available only through NIH-funding of MARC Scholars (renamed U-RISE Scholars with this proposal) specifically for high-achieving underrepresented junior and senior students pursuing biomedical degrees at UWF and long-term research careers.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).