21st Century Environmental Health Scholars: Collaboration to Support Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Univ Of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT: UNC-NCCU 21ST CENTURY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCHOLARS Longstanding collaborators from two campuses in the University of North Carolina system—North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH)—propose research educational activities for undergraduate students that will enhance the diversity of the biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research workforce. This multi-institutional team proposes to jointly implement 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars (21EH Scholars). Collaborating units include the Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine in the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine (UNC-SOM), the Center for Public Engagement with Science in the UNC Institute for the Environment (UNC-IE CPES), and the Departments of Biological and Biomedical Sciences and Environmental, Earth, and Geospatial Sciences at NC Central University (NCCU). The overarching objective of 21EH Scholars is to encourage diverse undergraduate students to pursue careers in environmental health sciences (EHS) research. Our approach is to provide summer and academic- year mentored research experiences in EHS research labs at UNC-CH and NCCU for students from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to UNC-CH students who identify as low-income and first generation, those who attend NCCU, a local Historically Black College or University, and transfer students from the NC community college system. We will accomplish this goal through three aims: 1) enhance the capacity of diverse undergraduate students to participate in EHS research through mentored research experiences; 2) provide professional development opportunities that prepare students to contribute to EHS disciplines; and 3) facilitate a sense of belonging and persistence in EHS through high-quality professional development for program mentors. The program will support five cohorts of undergraduate students, with five Scholars per cohort. We will recruit students into research experiences in partnership with faculty members from NCCU and C-STEP, a UNC- CH community college transfer program. Students will conduct research in EHS labs during the summer and two academic semesters. We expect these activities to result in regional/national scientific presentations, publications, and subsequent internship/career opportunities for participants. All students will participate in professional development sessions designed to prepare them for future studies and careers in EHS; these sessions will highlight research and science communication skills. All Scholars will present posters at the UNC- CH Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium or similar symposia, will join professional development activities on both campuses, and will contribute to evaluation processes that document skills, knowledge, and sense of belonging. A cohort of mentors—including faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students—will participate in mentorship training each spring. Mentors also will join project leaders in actively monitoring Scholars’ progress and supporting their professional development; they will contribute to evaluation processes that document skills, knowledge, and sense of belonging.