# U-RISE at San Francisco State University

> **NIH NIH T34** · SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $833,580

## Abstract

The goal of the U-RISE program at San Francisco State University (SFSU) is to develop a diverse pool of
scientists earning a PhD, who have the skills to successfully transition into careers in the biomedical research
workforce. San Francisco State University has dramatically increased the number of underrepresented (UR)
undergraduate students from SFSU that enter and succeed in PhD programs in the biomedical sciences during
the past 20 years of NIH support. Prior to the NIH funded training programs, only one SFSU UR undergraduate
student per decade entered a biomedically relevant PhD program. Today, every year more than 13
undergraduate UR SFSU students are being admitted into top PhD programs. We propose to continue our
successes in preparing SFSU U-RISE trainees for PhD programs in the biomedical sciences while embracing
the challenges associated with improving and enhancing our research and academic training effectiveness.
We will prepare 32 highly qualified underrepresented junior/senior students each year in a rigorous science
curriculum and provide them with high quality and stimulating research experiences. We will also provide
academic and professional skills activities to enhance competitiveness for PhD programs. To adapt to the
rapidly evolving biomedical research training landscape, we plan to continue to enhance these best practices
as the foundation for the seminars, workshops, science literacy and communication series, community building,
computational skills, and colloquium and honors courses in this new U-RISE program. In the proposed U-RISE
program we will focus on 1) improving and enhancing computational and quantitative skills, 2) strengthening
writing and science communication skills, and 3) expanding alumni networks and near-peer mentoring. To
achieve our overall training goals, we will pursue the following measurable objectives: Objective 1: At least
75% of participants will enter biomedical PhD programs. Objective 2: Ensure that U-RISE trainees are
progressing in the research and academic skills training that will enhance 1) success in completing an
undergraduate STEM degree and 2) success in PhD programs. Objective 3: Expand our academic and
scientific skills training to enhance competitiveness and success in biomedical PhD programs. Specifically,
training in computational and quantitative skills, enhancing scientific writing and communication skills, and
building a strong near-peer alumni network.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10410316
- **Project number:** 1T34GM145400-01
- **Recipient organization:** SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Raymond M. Esquerra
- **Activity code:** T34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $833,580
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10410316

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10410316, U-RISE at San Francisco State University (1T34GM145400-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10410316. Licensed CC0.

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