# Purdue PREP for Translational Biomedical Sciences

> **NIH NIH R25** · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $263,832

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The creation of highly innovative solutions to complex problems impacting human health requires
research teams that are rich in cognitive diversity. Cognitive diversity represents the bringing together of
people with different backgrounds, viewpoints, and life experiences and is a hallmark of highly innovative
teams. Cognitive diversity correlates with identity diversity; it is thus imperative that the translational
biomedical sciences workforce includes strong representation of Ph.D. scientists from diverse
backgrounds that may imbue new ideas and perspectives to maximize scientific innovation.
Unfortunately, cognitive diversity in research teams is currently limited because individuals from specific
racial and ethnic groups, those with disabilities, and individuals with low socioeconomic backgrounds,
remain significantly underrepresented (UR) in the biomedical sciences. Here, we propose to develop,
apply, and evaluate a Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) that will help prepare
recent college graduates from UR backgrounds to enter and successfully complete a Ph.D. or dual-
doctoral degree program in translational biomedical sciences. At Purdue University, PREP Scholars will
have the opportunity to enhance their skill set in four main areas: research aptitude; academics;
professional development and career planning; and community and resiliency. Scholars will engage in a
yearlong, mentored research experience with an emphasis on preclinical translational studies. The
Purdue PREP curriculum is adaptive; Scholars will use an Individual Development Plan (IDP) as a
framework and will participate in the educational, professional development, and career planning
activities that prepare them for admission to high caliber graduate programs and are aligned with their
future career goals. Scholars will be introduced to the breadth of biomedical research and research-
related careers along the translational pipeline available to a Ph.D. scientist. The Purdue PREP will
adopt a multi-layered, hierarchical approach to mentoring in which each Scholar will work with a network
of faculty and near-peer mentors with complementary skills that will provide a broad range of expertise
and psychosocial support to enhance Scholars' success. PREP faculty mentors and Scholars will
undergo parallel cultural competency training focused on issues of diversity and inclusion as they relate
to the academic research environment in order to improve cross-cultural communication and enhance UR
student experience. Success will be measured by > 75% of Scholars entering a high quality Ph.D. or
dual-doctoral (e.g. DVM-Ph.D.; MD-Ph.D.) degree program upon completion of the one-year Purdue
PREP. Formative and summative evaluations will be used to assess Scholars' persistence and
progression to a Ph.D. and also the impact of the PREP on fostering an institutional climate of diversity
that may enhance UR retention.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10263145
- **Project number:** 5R25GM134989-02
- **Recipient organization:** PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** HARM HOGENESCH
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $263,832
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-15 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10263145

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10263145, Purdue PREP for Translational Biomedical Sciences (5R25GM134989-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10263145. Licensed CC0.

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