IPREP Project Summary The IUPUI Graduate Preparation for the Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences (IPREP) will combine academic and professional enhancement with extensive research experiences to prepare talented college graduates from diverse backgrounds for success in rigorous Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs in the biomedical and behavioral sciences. Six students will be recruited annually from a pool of high-performing diverse populations from existing IUPUI programs, historically black colleges, Hispanic serving institutions, tribal colleges, and other universities nationwide. Scholars will begin the yearly program on June 1st with a one-week orientation where their skills and needs will be assessed, and from which a detailed personal development plan will be established. Weeks 2-8 the scholars participate in professional development activities, GRE training, research training (CITI), mentor training, and end with a two-week rotation in three labs chosen by the Scholars. Every Fellow will then be assigned to an experienced research-active mentor who will incorporate the Fellow as an employee into their research enterprise. Scholars will receive additional ongoing support from the IUPUI Graduate School, the IUPUI Graduate Mentoring Center, and the Office of Vice Chancellor for Research that will include individualized advising, professional development, assistance with graduate school applications, planning for graduate school visits and interviews, as well as monthly monitoring and reporting of progress to the Program Director. IPREP Scholars will leave the program with enhanced laboratory and research skills, including improved abilities to ask and solve research questions (critical thinking, rigor, and reproducibility), increased understanding of expectations of graduate programs, awareness of process for seeking external funding, improved self-confidence, and ability to succeed in a competitive academic environment. At least five of the six IPREP Scholars will be successful in obtaining admission to rigorous Ph.D. and Ph.D./M.D. programs and will complete their graduate/professional programs.