MUSC IMSD

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The overall objective of this proposal is to facilitate the matriculation, training, and graduation of underrepresented (UR) doctoral scholars at MUSC. The intended outcome is to increase the number of UR students who complete the PhD degree and are fully equipped for diverse careers in biomedical sciences,

leading to an increase in the number of UR faculty teaching and conducting biomedical research in U.S. colleges and universities. Our approach is built upon and supported by a strong institutional commitment, the presence of a diverse and robust scientific environment, and advances made by a previous R25 IMSD.

Students at MUSC take part in a broad array of research foci including cardiovascular biology, regenerative medicine, cancer, neuroscience, drug discovery, structural biology, and biostatistics and epidemiology. There are pipeline programs for high school students, undergraduate students, postdocs, and faculty at MUSC. This

IMSD program complements and synergizes with existing efforts while providing the only program for UR graduate students in the biomedical sciences training program at MUSC. In this IMSD, we anticipate supporting 9 doctoral scholars per year (1st through 3rd year of graduate training), using interconnecting strategies to ensure their success. Initiatives to accomplish our goals

include 1) innovative recruitment strategies targeted to colleges, universities, and national meetings having a large constituency of UR undergraduate students including hosting an applicant preview weekend and networking with MUSC PREP program colleagues, 2) courses to address changes in the biomedical research

landscape including bioinformatics/big data, 3) individualized career track training such as accelerate to academia (A2A), accelerate to industry (A2i), entrepreneurship, teaching and community engagement/government/policy intramural and extramural programs, 4) career development workshops and guidance on writing and submitting grant proposals led by a group of faculty dedicated to their success, 5)

promotion of community/cross-disciplinary interactions/leadership via involvement in summer undergraduate and PREP programs, 6) management of psychosocial stress through counseling/psychological services, one- on-one coffee socials, and personalized coaching program, 7) promotion of self-efficacy through recognition of

IMSD scholars’ accomplishments at various platforms and motivational/wellness challenges, and 8) facilitation of career networking of IMSD scholars by supporting them to give talks at their undergraduate institutions, attend national meetings and a yearly symposium of PREP and IMSD-containing institutions, and an annual

retreat with an invited speaker. Internal and external advisory committees will provide oversight for the program. Committee members have regular interactions with IMSD scholars allowing them to serve as career mentors as well. The program will be evaluated using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches.

In conclusion, IMSD graduates will be prepared for diverse career tracks in the biomedical sciences.