ASPIRE, Advancing Scientific Potential through Inclusive Research Experiences

Va Boston Health Care System, Boston MA

Investigators

Abstract

The aim of the current proposal is to build and expand upon the pilot Summer Research Program (SRP) that has been successfully established at the VA Boston Healthcare System (VABHS) over the past three years. This program will perpetuate the mission of enhancing the diversity of the basic and translational research workforce at VABHS and beyond, by providing hands-on research opportunities to undergraduate and medical students from underrepresented groups coupled with an outstanding mentoring experience. The anticipated outreach early in the students’ academic development is intended to enrich the diversity of the pipeline for the scientific workforce of the future, which will ultimately enhance the quality, innovation, competitiveness and creativity of VA supported research. Our proposal addresses current shortcomings in STEMM related fields. For example, the reported proportion of faculty in basic science departments at medical schools that are from underrepresented minorities ranges from only 6.3% to 8.9%2. The low percentage of faculty meeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) criteria underscores the need for programs like the VA SRP to increase the diversity of scientists at entry level positions, which will increase the number of talented DEI eligible students who develop a passion for science and continue a research career at the VA. This SRP counteracts the limited diversity in science and medicine by providing competitive financial compensation and sustained mentoring of students who qualify under the DEI criteria, relatively early in their educational trajectory while there is still an opportunity to make an impact. We plan to identify and recruit 6-8 motivated undergraduate or medical students each year, who have an interest in biomedical research. Program participants will be able to choose from a broad range of research topics, exploiting the diverse and exciting research areas represented at VABHS, each of which is fully aligned with the VA mission. Each student will be paired with an experienced mentor, who will engage frequently with the student and ensure an enriching and productive research adventure. These research and mentoring experiences will be supplemented by educational, professional and social activities designed to instill confidence and build community among participants. A number of strengths and innovations have been incorporated in this proposal, including: 1) the experience and infrastructure to support students and mentors has already been established during our pilot SRP at VABHS; 2) a highly qualified team of principal investigator/program directors with a strong commitment to mentoring, as well as extensive knowledge of VA mechanisms of onboarding and compensation of students; 3) access to students from, and support of, three prestigious colleges/universities (Stonehill College, Northeastern University, and Boston University School of Medicine; 4) a remarkable pool of accomplished faculty mentors at VABHS with expressed interest in training and mentoring students for this SRP; 5) a diverse selection of research topics and fields from which SRP students can choose for their internship; 6) the fully immersive nature of the program, where hands-on research experiences will be integrated with activities to promote educational development and networking of participants; 7) an efficient plan for the socio-economic and educational support of DEI participants; 8) a robust evaluation plan using input from SRP mentors and student participants to refine and improve the program. This carefully structured program plan, with support systems and tracking mechanisms in place, lays the foundation for DEI students to thrive in their future scientific endeavors.