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The overall objectives of IMSD are to increase the number of underrepresented minority
students that enroll in a Ph.D. program and successfully graduate. It is expected that a
significant increase in the number of URMs with a Ph.D. degree will also elevate
the quantity of underrepresented minority postdoctoral fellows, who will then successfully
compete for faculty positions at major research universities.
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These objectives will be met by: |
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- Training rising sophomore students in basic laboratory techniques. Students at the
end of their freshman year will participate in a summer training program (STP) for
8 weeks, which is designed to educate them in basic laboratory techniques. In addition,
these students will be introduced to scientific thinking. Lectures on personal development
and scientific careers will be provided during this summer period. At the end of
the summer program, students will choose a mentor-research laboratory where they
will be hosted for the next year or more. Seminars presented by potential mentors
will help them in the selection of a laboratory. Students will receive compensation
during the summer program based on a 40-hour work week.
- Mentoring undergraduate students in a research laboratory and motivating them to enroll
in a Ph.D. program. Students will participate in hands-on, bench research projects
under the supervision of established, well-funded investigators. In addition, students
will participate in normal laboratory activities, such as group meetings and journal
clubs. Students will attend a GRE preparation course, the Office of Graduate Studies
(OGS) workshops, and a peer mentoring program. Senior students will take a
graduate course within the BMS Ph.D. Program. At the end of each training
period, students will write a summary of their research activity and present the
results at an annual retreat. IMSD scholars will be supported for the duration of
the program (15h/week during the academic year and 40h/week during summer). Scholars
will be assisted in the preparation of graduate school applications.
- Supporting graduate students for two years and help them to obtain individual fellowships
to support them to the completion of their Ph.D. degree. Students will be
admitted directly into the BMS Graduate Program if they maintain
a GPA of 3.0 or above, successfully complete the graduate course with a grade of
B or better, and receive strong recommendations from their mentors. Admitted students
will complete the normal requirements of the BMS Ph.D. Program (courses and rotations)
and join a thesis laboratory at the end of the first year. In addition, students
will be encouraged to continue training as postdoctoral fellows upon graduation,
and information will be provided regarding strategies for competing for faculty
positions at research universities.
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In summary, this program is directed at mentoring students beginning at the early
stages of their education (e.g., rising sophomores) through the completion of a
Ph.D. degree program and during the search for faculty positions.
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