# Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences Summer Research-Renewal

> **NIH NIH R25** · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $132,840

## Abstract

The primary goal of the Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences (EICS) Program (R25 HL92618 renewal) is to
provide exposure to outstanding summer research experiences for undergraduate (UG) students of diverse
backgrounds [nationally defined underrepresented (UR) minorities, disadvantaged or those with disabilities],
focusing on mechanisms of cardiovascular (CV) diseases and CV-related health disparities, with an emphasis
on teams science in translational research. While the program is for short-term research training, mentors and
Program Directors (PDs) continue to guide former EICS trainees during UG/early post-baccalaureate
years. The program capitalizes on the multidisciplinary CV research at Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSM)
in hypertension, diabetes/obesity, aging/development and cardiac, renal and vascular diseases. Faculty from
Hypertension & Vascular Research, CV Sciences, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism and Precision Medicine
Centers, and the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity serve as leaders, mentors and Program faculty (27%
UR status/60% women). The EICS Specific Aims are to provide: 1) hands-on mentored summer CVS research
experiences fostering research skills development; 2) general professional development and networking towards
completion of UG MSTEM degrees; and 3) diverse research career pathway information for advanced degrees
and careers in the biomedical sciences (BMS) workforce. Measurable Objectives include: 1) research skills
development, improved scientific communication and a research symposium; 2) CV and health disparities
seminars, journal clubs, formal/informal scientific discussions to foster critical thinking; 3) demonstration of CV
biomarker and non-invasive cardiac and vascular structure/function, blood pressure and autonomic function
assessments; 4) professional development for general career guidance, professionalism, Responsible Conduct
of Research/Rigor and Reproducibility to facilitate attainment of the BS/BA; 5) exposure to advanced degrees
in CVS and BMS careers via faculty chats with Career Mentors representing diversity of interests in basic science
and clinical research, UR status, science careers/fields and pathways to current positions; 6) matriculation into
advanced degree programs by networking (graduate students, program directors/recruitment chairs, Graduate
Dean for BMS) and guidance on applications. A sense of science community/belonging and satisfaction is
fostered among EICS mentors and trainees beyond a single mentor/lab by common WFU housing, local
transportation, social events and networking with other summer research program trainees. Outcomes (29
years; 328 trainees, 28 still in UG training): of the 90% of 300 students tracked, 100% obtained a BS/BA with
96% in MSTEM; >83% are enhancing BMS workforce diversity with graduate (34%) or medical/health profession
(33%) degrees or technical/teaching positions (16%) without advanced degrees; ~15% return to WFSM as PhD
or medical students, ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10764285
- **Project number:** 5R25HL092618-17
- **Recipient organization:** WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Debra I Diz
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $132,840
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2008-04-15 → 2028-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10764285

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10764285, Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences Summer Research-Renewal (5R25HL092618-17). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10764285. Licensed CC0.

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