MARC at Georgia State University - MARC @ Georgia State University (GSU) is a thriving undergraduate (UG) biomedical research training program for students from underrepresented (UR) groups in STEM, established in 2019 and poised to launch a new MARC grant from 2024-2029. MARC@GSU has adapted, developed, and implemented evidence-based approaches to high quality training and mentoring that keep pace with current issues and scientific advances to develop a diverse pool of UGs who are motivated and prepared for advanced degrees and research careers. Elements that make our MARC unique are 1) the unusual combination of a research-intensive institution with a large UG population encompassing a wide range of identities, and 2) a balanced and holistic approach to research and training that is grounded in education research coupled with the lived experience of students. We recognize critical barriers to progress in biomedical research such as a lack of diversity of perspectives in the research workforce that leave health disparities unaddressed, a paucity of forward-thinking UG programs that create space for students from UR groups to develop confidence in their research acumen, and too few institution-based strategies to eliminate systemic inequities. Four objectives outline the new MARC Program Plan: Objective 1. Engage UGs from UR groups in state-of-the-art research through intensively mentored assistantships at GSU and externships at partner institutions; Objective 2. Enhance the academic environment at GSU by supporting honors theses, CURE courses, biotech seminars, and an informal graduate school prep course; Objective 3. Promote acquisition and recognition of the technical, operational, and professional skills applicable to biomedical PhD programs and beyond, through professional development workshops, research presentations, and conference travel; and Objective 4. Maximize comprehensive mentoring and provide individualized career support. Our long-term goal is to equip MARC scholars with the technical, operational, and professional skills and dispositions for diverse research careers. Our strategic thrust is to leverage GSU’s existing state-of-the-art research and education programs in six departments (biology, biomedical science, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and public health) to provide research and life skills, along with explorations of careers in biomedical science, in collaboration with Emory University, Harvard University, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and Vanderbilt University. We will evaluate program benchmarks for progressions toward graduation and advanced degree programs, as well as student development of skills and dispositions such as scientific research self-efficacy. Ultimately, MARC@GSU will equip and empower students with the skills and dispositions that will propel them into successful and satisfying careers in the U.S. biomedical research workforce.
