STaRS at BU - Summer Training as Research Scholars at Boston University

Boston University Medical Campus, Boston MA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The Summer Training as Research Scholars (STaRS) at Boston University (BU) is an established program designed for outstanding undergraduate and early medical school students interested in exploring research in the biomedical sciences, with a goal of aligning with NIH’s mission to expand the biomedical research workforce. STaRS prepares undergraduate scholars to pursue graduate education and careers in research, as well as raises the readiness of early career medical students to become physician scientists. Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Graduate Medical Sciences are proud of the accomplishments of the STaRS Program and its scholars. Our successful outcomes in the past iteration of the grant include: (1) >80% of undergraduate scholars continuing into higher education, (2) >50% of medical scholars with continued involvement in research following completion of the STaRS Program, and (3) high mentor satisfaction with the Program. This renewal application builds on our previous successes to strengthen the program’s comprehensiveness and rigor, and expands its focus to building connections among STaRS scholars and to other professional scientists. Some past scholars had noted negative experiences after STaRS that discouraged their intentions to pursue biomedical research careers, so this renewal application focuses on innovative methods to strengthen their confidence and encourage their continued participation in biomedical research careers. STaRS scholars will participate in authentic research projects mentored by faculty that work on cutting-edge research, with a particular focus on disease-oriented projects in heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders and diseases. These research experiences work to develop critical thinking skills, help scholars to see themselves as future scientists, connect them to other professionals in the greater scientific community, and prepare them for entering a career in research. STaRS scholars will also participate in career development activities designed to prepare them for pursuing advanced degrees and careers in biomedical research, including networking with role models in different career paths within biomedical research. These activities build self-confidence and aim to develop scholars’ ability to self-assess and plan steps necessary to successfully apply to graduate degree programs and/or advance in their research careers. Additionally, STaRS will facilitate in expanding scholars’ professional and social networks before, during, and after the Program, to create and reinforce connections to other scientists that thus encourage scholars to stay in the biomedical workforce. The Program will use these networks to monitor and assess outcomes of the program and demonstrate its effectiveness, quality, and long-term impact on the career outcomes of our trainees, as well as its contributions to expanding the biomedical workforce.