Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences Summer Research-Renewal

Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The primary goal of the Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences (EICS) Program (R25 HL92618 renewal) is to provide exposure to outstanding summer research experiences for undergraduate (UG) students of diverse backgrounds [nationally defined underrepresented (UR) minorities, disadvantaged or those with disabilities], focusing on mechanisms of cardiovascular (CV) diseases and CV-related health disparities, with an emphasis on teams science in translational research. While the program is for short-term research training, mentors and Program Directors (PDs) continue to guide former EICS trainees during UG/early post-baccalaureate years. The program capitalizes on the multidisciplinary CV research at Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSM) in hypertension, diabetes/obesity, aging/development and cardiac, renal and vascular diseases. Faculty from Hypertension & Vascular Research, CV Sciences, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism and Precision Medicine Centers, and the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity serve as leaders, mentors and Program faculty (27% UR status/60% women). The EICS Specific Aims are to provide: 1) hands-on mentored summer CVS research experiences fostering research skills development; 2) general professional development and networking towards completion of UG MSTEM degrees; and 3) diverse research career pathway information for advanced degrees and careers in the biomedical sciences (BMS) workforce. Measurable Objectives include: 1) research skills development, improved scientific communication and a research symposium; 2) CV and health disparities seminars, journal clubs, formal/informal scientific discussions to foster critical thinking; 3) demonstration of CV biomarker and non-invasive cardiac and vascular structure/function, blood pressure and autonomic function assessments; 4) professional development for general career guidance, professionalism, Responsible Conduct of Research/Rigor and Reproducibility to facilitate attainment of the BS/BA; 5) exposure to advanced degrees in CVS and BMS careers via faculty chats with Career Mentors representing diversity of interests in basic science and clinical research, UR status, science careers/fields and pathways to current positions; 6) matriculation into advanced degree programs by networking (graduate students, program directors/recruitment chairs, Graduate Dean for BMS) and guidance on applications. A sense of science community/belonging and satisfaction is fostered among EICS mentors and trainees beyond a single mentor/lab by common WFU housing, local transportation, social events and networking with other summer research program trainees. Outcomes (29 years; 328 trainees, 28 still in UG training): of the 90% of 300 students tracked, 100% obtained a BS/BA with 96% in MSTEM; >83% are enhancing BMS workforce diversity with graduate (34%) or medical/health profession (33%) degrees or technical/teaching positions (16%) without advanced degrees; ~15% return to WFSM as PhD or medical students, technical/post-bac students, are 12.5% of current WFSM URM PhD students and received 18% of WFSM URM PhDs in the past 4 years; 30% of EICS PhDs are from WFSM PhD BMS programs.