ISU Bridges to Research Careers

Summary Pathways to biomedical careers are exceptionally difficult for first generation, limited income college students and other undergraduate students from underrepresented populations. Student learning and professional development researchers have identified a critical role for an inclusive research education community (iREC) in the development of young scientists. The long-term

goal of the proposed program is to help students gain necessary skills, embrace an identity as a scientist, join a community of scientists, and embark on a biomedical career. To accomplish this, the investigators will create the ISU Bridges to Research Careers (BRC) program. The objective of this grant is to create a pathway to biomedical careers for undergraduate students from

underrepresented populations by interweaving a mentoring program for freshmen college students from underrepresented populations; a bacteriophage discovery & bioinformatics course developing biomedical research skills using an NIAID-relevant model system; and a biomedical research network that will provide authentic research opportunities for participants in labs

conducting NIAID-relevant research. The proposed BRC program will effectively reach undergraduates early in their college career and guide them as they develop into scientists and embark on biomedical careers. The program efficiently leverages existing activities, providing tangible opportunities for underserved Idahoans and training participants to meet our nation’s

future biomedical research workforce needs. The BRC program also adheres to best practices for development of young scientists, creating an iREC that facilitates the development of participant self-image as a scientist, enhances persistence, and prepares students for biomedical careers.