Biomedical Research Innovation and Development to Grow Excellence in Science-Undergraduate Program for HBCUs (BRIDGE UP-HBCU)

Utah State Higher Education System--University Of Utah, Salt Lake City UT

Investigators

Abstract

The mission of the Biomedical Research Innovation and Development to Grow Excellence in Science – Undergraduate Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (BRIDGE UP-HBCU) is to enlarge the translational research workforce by increasing access to research training for students who attend HBCUs. As the US population ages, there is a critical need for physician-scientists and researchers to address the nation’s biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research needs. The University of Utah CTSI is committed to sustaining and amplifying the STEM pipeline that trains and launches the translational research workforce by enriching the educational and research opportunities available at partner HBCUs. BRIDGE UP-HBCU will specifically address the leaks in the pipeline from undergraduate to doctoral training of budding scientists via a sustained modified matrix-mentoring model that aims to keep trainees engaged with translational research throughout their undergraduate career. BRIDGE UP-HBCU will recruit students with an interest in translational research from partnership relationships with HBCUs, while expanding these relationships to additional HBCUs. These students demonstrate a strong drive for doctoral research and physician scientist research tracks and will benefit from exposure to the translational science spectrum, research-intensive training experiences, and professional development, enhancing both their successful transition to top-tier doctoral and professional programs, as well as their long-term retention in the translational research and science tracks. In order to accomplish these goals, BRIDGE UP-HBCU will provide key proposed activities that include (1) holistic career-long mentor networks; (2) experiences to undertake hypothesis-driven research; and (3) scientific and professional skill development workshops and activities that hone strong oral and written communication skills, enhances their self-confidence and authentic scientific identity, and instills successful strategies for applying to graduate school. Building on institutional momentum and infrastructure at the University of Utah that is dedicated to expanding the translational research pipeline, BRIDGE UP-HBCU will fortify its trainees’ critical thinking and research experience, and develop a resilient mindset to persist in high-quality graduate programs and beyond. With these additional skills, BRIDGE UP-HBCU graduates will be prepared for leadership and mentorship roles in translational research career tracks.