Supplement for CSULB Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT TRAINING IN ACADEMIC RESEARCH (U-STAR)

California State University Long Beach, Long Beach CA

Investigators

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Abstract

SUMMARY CSULB MARC Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U*STAR) Program The current proposal is a Supplement to the existing parent award, California State University Long Beach (CSULB) Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U*STAR) Program (NIH T34 GM008074) (06/01/2017-05/31/2022). The overall scope and objectives of the supplement are aligned with those of the parent award with a goal to continue to increase the number of under-served students entering and earning doctorates in biomedical sciences. The parent award supports 10 MARC Scholars who receive enhanced academic and research training for 2 years to prepare them to enter and succeed in graduate programs in biomedical and behavioral research areas. At the end of the current cycle (05/31/2022), five MARC Scholars are expected to continue their second year of training for which additional funding is needed ($ 231,813). As of 05/31/2022, the unobligated balance is estimated to be $ 85,698. The current proposal seeks supplemental funding ($146,115) that will be used in conjunction with the unobligated balance to successfully continue the program operation and complete the training process of the five students (Avalos, Chen, Nguyen, Phan and Skorka), who are already listed in the eRA Commons X-Train system. The funds will be used to support the 5 trainees’ stipend and partial tuition, research supplies, travel to conferences and off-campus summer research experience in a research-intensive environment, in addition to providing partial salary support for the program personnel. The goal is to continue offering deeper and specific research training that will develop the technical, operational and professional skills, with a focus on strengthening the trainees’ quantitative abilities in existing courses and research training activities as described in the objectives of the parent award below. The 5 students are on track to graduate in May 2023 and are currently engaged in faculty-mentored research projects in which they are showing strong progress; in addition, they are preparing to apply for their off-campus research experience for summer 2022. All components of the one-year training supported by the supplement will be evaluated like the parent program. The objectives of the training program that will be supported by the supplement are to: (i) offer a rich, intense education experience through research-based, Honors curriculum, supplementary academic support, priority registration and counseling to the trainees to; (ii) provide an enriching research experience, in a mentored environment that fosters critical thinking; in addition, the Scholars will be required to participate in a short-term research experience in summer 2022 in a research-intensive institute; (iii) train MARC Scholars in professional and leadership development activities, and, (iv) encourage graduate school preparation. Taken together, the supplement will help in completing the training of the Scholars and lay the essential groundwork required for them to enter and face the rigors of graduate school education in a highly competitive atmosphere. Further, to continue offering research training opportunities after the current MARC T34 program has ended, the institute leadership (Dean and Associate Dean for Research of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and program directors of current CSULB MARC and RISE programs) has developed a strategic plan following consultation with the NIGMS Program Officers in spring 2021. It involves submission of a new NIGMS Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (U-RISE) (T34) in May 2022 (CSULB is eligible to apply for U-RISE based on its status as a research-active institute). The U-RISE leadership team has been identified and involves key personnel from current T34 MARC program. The plan is to request 30 spots for training undergraduate students from a diverse background with a proposed start date of 06/01/2023 if funded. The trainees will receive an enriching academic and research experience for two years, which will prepare them for graduate programs. They will carry out their research with faculty members from diverse backgrounds, disciplines and career stages. At the same time, we would request ending the ongoing RISE program (04/01/2020-03/31/2025) (with 20 funded spots) earlier than its projected end date (in consultation with NIH Program officials) so that there is no overlap with U-RISE. This will ensure continuous availability of research training opportunities for CSULB students. In summary, the supplement to the parent award is a critical requirement to complete the training of the five MARC Scholars. It is expected to have a lasting impact on their career decisions and entry into graduate programs in the biomedical field.