Washington University SummeR reseArch DIversity ProgrAm iN Cardiovascular Disease & HEmatology (RADIANCE)

Washington University, Saint Louis MO

Investigators

Abstract

(must be no longer than 30 lines of text). This R25 Short-Term Research Education Program is titled “Washington University (WU) summeR undergrADuate and health professIons reseArch program iN Cardiovascular diseasE & hematology (RADIANCE)”. The program leverages our extensive experience with two existing programs: 1) the NHLBI- funded “PRograms for IndiviDuals Engaged in Health-Related Research (PRIDE)”, which train junior faculty nationwide, and 2) the WU Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program (IPH-SRP) – Public and Global Health track, which has trained undergraduate and health professional students in health research over the past eight years. Our success with these summer research programs, and our established infrastructure, positions us to seamlessly expand and integrate this new initiative. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Hematologic Disorders are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States and globally. We aim to recruit, train, mentor, and develop research skills in 12 undergraduate and health professional students each year. The program objectives are as follows: 1) Recruitment and Engagement: To attract students with interests in research careers, using a multidisciplinary approach to advance research on CVD and Hematologic Disorders; 2) Training and Mentoring: To provide rigorous didactics, structured mentoring, and hands-on research experiences that build knowledge, attitudes, and skills in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research; 3) Exposure and Development: To foster trainee interests in research, academic, and professional development in CVD and Hematologic Disorders, and to provide research experiences that inform future career and training opportunities; 4) Capstone Experience: Under guidance from mentors and program leadership, to prepare a “capstone experience” summary presentation at the end of the program that synthesizes the trainee’s learning and research experience. The overarching goal of RADIANCE is to increase the biomedical research workforce through targeted educational activities focused on research experiences and mentoring. This proposal aligns with NHLBI's scientific priorities by: 1) delivering comprehensive CVD/Hematologic Disorders teaching and research training; 2) providing a robust scientific research foundation for trainees; and 3) ensuring program access and participation for undergraduate and health care professional students. NHLBI-funded WU Program and Mentoring Faculty will provide trainees with excellent mentorship and experience. We are confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to enhancing the development of the research workforce in areas critical to the NHLBI mission.