# Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC)

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2024 · $128,520

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
(CDU) in partnership with the Los Angeles Community College District propose the Cultivating Interest in
Research Careers (CIRC) Program. Lack of participation from communities underrepresented in medicine
and science (UIMS) in the scientific research workforce is a critical issue affecting the future of research, and
ultimately our nation’s health. Access to a high-quality science education required for a research career
remains largely determined by socioeconomic class, race/ethnicity, gender and/or national origin. There is a
critical need to motivate and equip lower-income UIMS community college students with the academic skill set
to critically understand, explore and engage in scientific research, as well as the confidence and
communication skill set required for advancement in scientific careers. Early interventions in the undergraduate
education timeline are needed to build a diverse and inclusive scientific workforce. The Program’s main
components include: 1) A Summer Research Experience, where students attend a one-week boot camp to
familiarize themselves with research fundamentals and participate in hands-on research under the supervision
of a research mentor with expertise in one of NHLBI’s research focus areas, and 2) A Pathway to Research
Careers Continuum, where students attend workshops which will enhance their research and academic skills.
Since California Community Colleges are the single largest system of higher education in the country, and with
data showing that 80% of students enrolled in Los Angeles Community College district schools are from UIMS
communities, the proposed CIRC Program will provide important opportunities for UIMS community college
students to receive research training as well as skills necessary to transfer to four-year colleges/universities.
The Program’s overarching goal is to increase the number of UIMS students prepared to pursue careers in the
biomedical and clinical health sciences. To this end, the Specific Aims are as follows:
Specific Aim 1: To engage 14 UIMS community college students each year in a mentored, summer scientific
research experience in basic, clinical, or translational research related to CVD within the NHLBI mission.
Specific Aim 2: To provide 14 UIMS community college students each year with a year-long faculty and “near-
peer” advising program to continue building academic skills as well as provide support in transferring to a four
year college/university to study math or science.
Specific Aim 3: To evaluate the effectiveness of the CIRC program for UIMS community college students in
promoting academic advancement, scientific productivity with presentations and/or manuscripts, completion of
an undergraduate degree, and successful application to a graduate program in a science-related field.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10755682
- **Project number:** 5R25HL161609-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** OBIDIUGWU KENRIK DURU
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $128,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-12-09 → 2026-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10755682

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10755682, Cultivating Interest in Research Careers (CIRC) (5R25HL161609-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10755682. Licensed CC0.

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