Core--Education and training

North Carolina Central University, Durham NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

NCCU is seeking funding to expand and enhance existing JLC-BBRI student training programs in the biomedical sciences and biotechnology. Funding provided by the NCMHD EXPORT Center Training Component will be used to improve the quality of undergraduate and graduate programs in biology and other scientific disciplines that relate to biology, and attract more minority students to scientific research in health disparity areas. This initiative will have as major goals the integration of research into all aspects of undergraduate and graduate science education and a two-fold increase in minority student participation in science at the JLC-BBRI. The plan will seek to attract high school seniors, community college graduates and NCCU undergraduates to the biomedical sciences and biotechnology using the following Specific Aims: 1) initiate a comprehensive effort involving post-doctoral opportunities and faculty development; 2) develop a precollege intervention program directed at local high schools and the regional community colleges and establish an NCCU summer residency program for prefreshmen science majors; 3) provide academic year and summer mentored research experiences for NCCU undergraduate and graduate students; 4) collaborate with DUMC, WFUSM and UNC-CH to foster formal bridge programs in the biomedical sciences and biotechnology for seamless transition of NCCU M.S. students into the Ph.D. programs at partner institutions; 5) develop and implement changes in NCCU's graduate curriculum that lead to new concentrations/degree offerings. These activities will be supplemented with tutorials, workshops on science writing, journal clubs, poster sessions, student membership and participation in national scientific organizations, special lectures and other activities aimed at enhancing scientific literacy of science and non-science majors.