Thursday, April 10, 2025
4/10/2025
NCA&TSU Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) - North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) Abstract The U-RISE program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T) has, as its overarching goal, the aim of cultivating and preparing an enthusiastic pool of undergraduate scientists ready to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical science. This goal was established with the expectation that students will master the skills and acquire the confidence necessary to make substantial contributions to the field of biomedical research. Since the National Institutes of Health (NIH) began funding NC A&T fifteen years ago, the university has seen a remarkable growth in the number of underrepresented (UR) undergraduate students enrolling in and completing highly competitive Ph.D. programs in the biomedical sciences. Prior to the NIH-funded training programs, only a very small number of undergraduates every decade enrolled in Ph.D. programs in fields related to biomedicine. We plan to maintain this track record of success in preparing students for Ph.D. programs in the biomedical sciences while accepting and embracing the difficulties of increasing the efficacy of our research and academic training. Each year, we will choose six new talented underrepresented students to participate in a challenging and intensive scientific curriculum and provide them with high-quality, thought-provoking research projects and activities. We will also collaborate with the University Honor’s College to provide academic and professional skill-building events with the goal of enhancing competitiveness for the Ph.D. Additionally, the NC A&T U-RISE program will use best practices as the foundation for various seminars, workshops, scientific literacy and communication series, community-building, computational skills, colloquium, and honors courses. Our comprehensive training program consists of the following goals: Goal 1: improving and enhancing computational and quantitative skills; Goal 2: strengthening writing and science communication skills; and Goal 3: expanding mentoring and early career alumni networks. To achieve our overall training goals, we will pursue the following targets: Objective 1: At least 75% of participants will enter biomedical Ph.D. programs. Objective 2: Ensure that U-RISE trainees are progressing in the research and academic skills training that will enhance 1) success in completing an undergraduate STEM degree and 2) success in Ph.D. programs. Objective 3: Expand our academic and scientific skills training to enhance competitiveness and success in biomedical Ph.D. programs. Specifically, training in computational and quantitative skills, enhancing scientific writing and communication skills and building a strong early career alumni network.
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).