Supporting Under-Represented Minorities in Microbiology and Immunology Research (SUMMIR)

The fields of microbiology and immunology (M&I) have been at the epicenter of recent transformative scientific discoveries as well as unprecedented public health challenges. Realizing a research and healthcare workforce that reflects the diverse skills and makeup of our population is critical for the continued advancement of

innovative approaches and broad perspectives to aid in the development of M&I-based therapeutic applications and novel antimicrobial strategies. Under-represented (UR) groups are projected to exceed 50% by 2045 but make up just 24% of the science and engineering workforce and thus embody an underutilized talent pool that

must be drawn upon to meet the public health needs of our nation. Achieving this objective begins with exciting UR students about microbiology and immunology as part of their undergraduate education through experiential learning that will inspire them to pursue career paths in these fields. Towards this goal, we propose the

Supporting Under-represented Minorities in Microbiology and Immunology Research (SUMMIR) program. The SUMMIR program will be implemented at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and leverages robust resources across three professional schools, seven world class research institutions and centers and eight

academic departments. In a ten-week summer internship, interns will gain a comprehensive view of M&I fields as part of an interdisciplinary training and education pipeline that spans middle school through post-graduate education. Inter-programmatic pipeline forums and SUMMIR modules feature asset-based approaches and

leadership opportunities that allow interns to experience, first-hand, the benefits of a diverse research environment as a key outcome of the program. In this stimulating environment, SUMMIR interns will conduct independent mentored research projects (aim 1), engage in hands-on, active learning courses (aim 2) and

receive multifaceted mentoring support from both faculty and near-peer trainees (aim 3). Diverse cohorts of 20 interns/summer will be recruited from our pipeline programs, partnerships with local HBCUs and MSIs and national outreach to minority-focused programs and conferences (aim 4). An innovative Laboratory Culture and

Techniques (LCT) nanocourse in the first week of the program will be held in modern teaching labs at the new science complex of our partner institution, Towson University. The LCT will introduce fundamental concepts and techniques that preclude a requirement for prior M&I research experience to increase program access and

diversity. All aspects of the SUMMIR program will be rigorously evaluated to assess the effectiveness of modules in achieving their desired outcomes. Intern accomplishments and career paths provide long term metrics of program success and will be tracked through a ResearchLogix database and a Linked-In group. These platforms,

along with bi-annual SUMMIR alumni reunions, provide the foundation for a SUMMIR professional network and to sustain program connections. Implementation of the proposed SUMMIR program will fulfill the overarching goal of the FOA to support educational activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue

studies and careers that advance the NIAID mission and increase diversity in the larger biomedical workforce.