# Undergraduate Biomedical Research Training at St. Mary's University

> **NIH NIH T34** · ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $472,250

## Abstract

The proposed MARC U*STAR Program represents a continuation of the efforts by St. Mary's
University to become a significant producer of underrepresented minority biomedical research
scientists. The institutional long-term goal for the Program is to increase the number of
underrepresented minority students majoring in biology, chemistry/biochemistry, biophysics,
mathematics, and engineering, who enter and complete doctoral research programs in the
biomedical sciences. In order to achieve this goal, the following specific aims have been
established for the proposed funding period: (1) Increase participation in MARC activities by all
student students from MARC departments; (2) Engage Freshman and Sophomores across the
participating departments in a comprehensive PreMARC program; (3) Ensure continued
success of existing training program by implementing academic enhancements, providing
research training and guided discovery, and developing professional skills; and (4) Execute a
rigorous evaluation effort to optimize the existing program and determine effective strategies
that will effect and disseminate a model for institutionalization of our very successful training
program. Proposed activities include providing trainees with a rigorous science curriculum,
performing academic year research, arranging summer research experiences at research-
intensive institutions for trainees, conducting a biomedical research workshop and seminar
series, and arranging trainee attendance at scientific meetings. Ten trainees per year are
expected to be appointed to two-year appointments, beginning their junior year. Intended trainee
outcomes include: improved reflective reading, critical thinking, and technical writing skills;
improved communication and disciplinary socialization skills; increased appreciation for
mentorship (both as a mentee and as a mentor to other students) and for service to the
community; enhanced understanding of scientific research and the rigors of graduate school;
and increased self-efficacy and sense of belonging – the culmination of which will help them to
become more competitive in gaining acceptance into, and completing Ph.D.-granting programs
in the biomedical sciences.Students participating in this training program will be qualified to
pursue doctoral studies in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, cell and molecular biology,
physiology, microbiology, epidemiology, and other biomedical sciences.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10165731
- **Project number:** 5T34GM008073-37
- **Recipient organization:** ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Veronica E Contreras-Shannon
- **Activity code:** T34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $472,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-07-01 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10165731

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10165731, Undergraduate Biomedical Research Training at St. Mary's University (5T34GM008073-37). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10165731. Licensed CC0.

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