# Preparing Future Faculty: RISEing to the Challenge

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSIDAD CENTRAL DEL CARIBE · 2022 · $269,660

## Abstract

Abstract/Project Summary
Although one of the main functions of biomedical researchers at academic institutions is teaching, their
preparation is centered in the development of research, analytical and technical skills. Our previously
implemented RISE Program (Preparing Future Faculty Program) was intended to prepare doctoral students in
biomedical sciences for future faculty positions in Puerto Rico and the mainland. Building upon its
achievements, the proposed Preparing Future Faculty: RISEing to the Challenge project will institutionalize
our PFFP by integrating the courses in science education and pedagogy into the doctoral curriculum of the
Graduate Program. This integration will be aligned with a curricular revision and re-structuring intended to
streamline the current coursework that will allow for the addition of a science education component and
significant teaching and research experiences without increasing time to degree. In this program we will also
develop and implement recruiting strategies, particularly targeting underrepresented undergraduate students
from private undergraduate institutions which are usually underserved in the recruitment and acceptance at
many doctoral programs. Graduate students will be active players in the development and implementation of
our proposed recruiting activities and will serve as ambassadors to our Graduate Program and research
opportunities enhancing the pool of qualified candidates available for admission. Moreover, by actively
participating in these activities, doctoral students will develop and further enhance their teaching and mentoring
skills. We recognize that training competitive biomedical researchers that are also science educators is
challenging and we have established collaborative agreements with research intensive institutions, PUI and
other entities that will complement our research infrastructure and will provide the required teaching
opportunities that our students need for their training. These collaborative efforts are a key component of our
proposed program since they will allow us to leverage our resources and bolster our research enterprise.
Finally, we intend to further prepare our doctoral students by integrating activities aimed at developing the
professional skills and attitudes that will capacitate them to enter and compete in the current workforce. We
recognize that preparing competitive biomedical researchers that are also experienced science educators is a
complex and challenging endeavor, however, at UCC we are RISEing to the challenge.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10469644
- **Project number:** 5R25GM110513-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSIDAD CENTRAL DEL CARIBE
- **Principal Investigator:** MISTY J EATON
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $269,660
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10469644

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10469644, Preparing Future Faculty: RISEing to the Challenge (5R25GM110513-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10469644. Licensed CC0.

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