# Diversity in Biomedical Sciences Via Personalized Research and Education Programs

> **NIH NIH R25** · HARVARD UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $422,026

## Abstract

The number of underrepresented minorities (URM) receiving graduate training in the biological and
physical sciences continues to be small despite increases in the total population. Major obstacles for URMs
applying to and being admitted to graduate programs in the biomedical sciences include limited research
experience, limited advanced courses in the life sciences, unfamiliarity with the application process, and
unawareness of career opportunities for PhD's. Recognizing these issues and the need to increasing the
diversity of its own doctoral programs and faculty as well as the field as a whole, Harvard's Graduate School of
Arts and Sciences initiated a formal post-baccalaureate pilot program in the life sciences called the Research
Scholar Initiative (RSI) in 2012 and through funding from NIGMS, improved and expanded the pilot program
through establishment of a Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) in 2016 which we call
(RSI PREP). 17 RSI PREPScholars have completed the program with 82% entering PhD programs. While the
program has been successful in achieving many of the goals, early evaluation of the program, has
identified some areas of improvement. RSI PREP will provide a 1-2 year research and educational
training opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing PhDs in the biomedical sciences. The goals
are to 1) provide a personalized research education and training opportunity for 8 scholars/yr with at least 90%
completing at least one year of the program; 2) have a minimum of 85% apply to and be admitted to PhD
programs or in some cases, MD/PhD programs in the biomedical sciences; 3) increase trainees preparation
and comfort with academic and research skills important for success in PhD programs; 4) have a minimum of
85% of trainees that enter PhD programs complete the PhD; 5) institutional impact via increasing the diversity
of our PhD and MD-PhD programs and continuing to change faculty perceptions.
 Goals will be achieved by 1) RSI PREP Scholars doing independent research with faculty in the Life
Sciences at for one year and possibly two years; 2) developing a personalized program to enhance academic
preparation (e.g., quantitative methods, cell biology, computing, writing , etc.,); 3) Establishing an advisory
committee for each scholar to expand their mentoring network; 4) Having Scholars participate in a program-
specific course and workshops designed to build skills critical for graduate school success; and 5) Familiarize
scholars with a graduate training environment by providing opportunities to interact with current students and
faculty in our program and other programs in the area; 6) providing faculty with the opportunity to engage with
the RSI PREP Scholars.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10335396
- **Project number:** 2R25GM109436-06
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Karina Noemi Gonzalez Herrera
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $422,026
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2016-03-01 → 2027-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10335396

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10335396, Diversity in Biomedical Sciences Via Personalized Research and Education Programs (2R25GM109436-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10335396. Licensed CC0.

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