MARC at the University of California Santa Barbara

University Of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY We propose a Maximizing Access to Research Careers at the University of California Santa Barbara (MARC-UCSB) program that builds on the strengths of our current MARC-UCSB program, and expands the reach and organizational capacity of our institution for increasing retention and matriculation into PhD and MD/PhD programs of all undergraduates (but especially underrepresented [UR] and disadvantaged students) interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. As the first Association of American Universities (AAU) to reach Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status, and one of now six HSI-designated UC campuses, UCSB is among a growing group of research-intensive institutions serving a large number of Hispanic undergraduates and well-placed to incubate and share biomedical training innovations. In the nine years of MARC-UCSB, 25 Scholars have graduated, of which 100% have remained active in STEM and 68% (17) have enrolled in PhD or MD/PhD programs. With this proposal, we aim to incorporate a growing MARC alumni network with new campus training partnerships to expand our impact. We include a series of initial engagement points for MARC-eligible students that stimulate new points of entry into research and scientific community, and integrate into existing infrastructure at UCSB: gateway classroom outreach and early research experience; a mentoring network of peers, graduate students/postdoctoral scholars, and faculty; and an introduction to research course “Practice of Science.” As they build community and increase awareness of various research and career opportunities, students will be prepared to further develop as researchers through the two-year MARC Scholars program and accompanying ecosystem initiatives open to STEM students. Nine diverse motivated students will be selected as MARC Scholars each year. They will acquire extensive research experience at UCSB as well as extramural research sites, grow their communication and leadership skills through well-defined professional activities, serve as mentors for lower division students, and increase awareness of biomedical research careers for themselves and their peers. In addition to the 45 students who will receive MARC scholarships, hundreds more will be impacted by our activities and will be well-prepared to apply for other synergistic research internship programs and eventually to advanced degrees and careers in biomedical research. Underpinning this Scholar retention and success will be a suite of faculty and graduate student/postdoc mentor training initiatives and resources integrated into the expanding training landscape for sustained impact. Our MARC-UCSB program goals are to: a) ensure students are immersed into a cohesive social, academic, and research community that values their contributions from an early stage; b) cultivate students’ confidence and skills to enable them to matriculate into and succeed in top PhD programs (with at least 80% of MARC Scholars matriculating into PhD or MD/PhD programs); and c) increase our organizational capacity for mentoring excellence and an inclusive environment for our entire STEM campus community. To achieve our goals, we will: 1) apply “proposed innovations” to meet our objectives and address challenges in our current program, 2) expand “effective practice elements” that have been core features of our current successes, and 3) leverage “synergistic infrastructure” from institutional elements that contribute to achieving MARC-UCSB objectives.