Science, Technology, And Research at Stanford (STARS) program for pre-dental students

Stanford University, Stanford CA

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY Our Science Technology and Research at Stanford (STARS) program aims to equip high school students with the academic knowledge, creative problem-solving, and experiential skills necessary to succeed in high-demand, high-skill careers in the oral healthcare space. We will achieve this objective through two avenues: 1) career awareness activities coupled with school-year apprenticeships that provide students with meaningful exposure to the real-world applications of dental research; and 2) through paid, 8-week summer research internships in which participants will gain hands-on technical training and mentor-guided academic knowledge in oral healthcare. Integral to both components of STARS is a focus on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and adaptability abilities. After completing STARS, our students will graduate with a blend of technical skills, academic grounding, and professional behaviors enabling them to ultimately compete for high-skill careers in Dentistry and beyond. STARS is a partnership with Mountain View Los Altos (MVLA) school district. In collaboration with MVLA teachers in their Career Technical Education (CTE) and Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) programs, 11 Stanford mentors will provide school year activities that help students discover career options related to in-demand healthcare professions. From this cohort of students, we will select participants for the summer research component of STARS. Selection will be based on a combination of interest, potential, and preparation. The 8-week summer internship is modeled after our highly successful 22-year-old summer program. The goal is to combine biomedical training and academic knowledge, which together create a well-rounded educational experience. Mentors hold DDS, PhD, combined DDS/PhD degrees, and certificates in dental hygiene: Prof. Jill Helms DDS/PhD (periodontist) leads a NIDCR-funded research lab, has taught undergraduates for 25 years, and has served for two decades as the Director of a hands-on summer internship for high school and community college students. Dr. Dyani Gaudilliere DDS, MS, MPH is the Chief of Stanford’s Dental Medicine & Surgery and brings clinical expertise while Bo Liu, DDS/PhD brings state-of-the-art research expertise to explore questions of clinical relevance in craniofacial biology and dental regenerative medicine. Fabiana Aellos DDS, MS (periodontist) brings teaching, mentoring, and clinical skills-building to the group. In addition to hands-on laboratory skills that advance NIDCR- funded research initiatives, students participate in community-building social activities created in partnership with local dental schools. An end-of-summer research symposium provides an opportunity to hone participants’ communication skills and offer networking opportunities with community healthcare providers. The STARS program is defined by a rigorous evaluation plan that regularly measures the impact of each programmatic component, through both pre- and post-surveys and outcomes tracking e.g., college enrollment rates and career decision-making by participants. Together, these empirical data enable rapid evolution of STARS to better serve participants, and to ensure that we are responsible stewards of NIDCR resources.