# U-RISE at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

> **NIH NIH T34** · UNIVERSITY OF PR CAYEY UNIVERSITY COLL · 2024 · $403,952

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The U-RISE program at the University of Puerto Rico Cayey (UPR-C) provides research training to i) broaden
exposure to biomedical research careers, ii) strengthen science identity, and iii) enhance scientific information
literacy, learning, research, and quantitative and computational skills of undergraduate Hispanic students at
UPR-C. The U-RISE program will directly impact 24 undergraduate students through a wide range of activities.
Five program components have been designed employing evidence-based approaches to provide training to
undergraduate students: Research Seminars and Workshops (RSW), Learning and Research Skills (LRS),
Undergraduate Research Experiences (URE), Quantitative and Computational skills (QCS), and Evidence-
Based Teaching and Mentoring (EBT/EBM). The evaluation of each component will be monitored by an external
evaluator working with the activity coordinators, program directors, and an Advisory Committee. In the RSW
component, visiting alumni scientists will serve as role models and offer seminars and workshops to all science
students at UPR-C to broaden their exposure to biomedical research careers and strengthen their science
identity. In the LRS component, 12 sophomore college students will start engaging in research by participating
in scientific literature, learning, and laboratory research activities. In the URE component, the trainees will
engage more extensively in research by participating in an off-campus research project during the summer (24
students) and an on-campus research experience during the academic year. In the QCS component, the
junior/senior students will enhance their skills to analyze and present numerical data, reduce problem complexity,
think in terms of computational algorithmics, and automate tasks computationally within the natural sciences.
The LRS and QCS educational activities use collaborative learning to accommodate differences in preparation
among trainees. The EBT/EBM component will facilitate faculty training in evidence-based teaching and
mentoring using Blended Learning Modules in EBT and Lesson Study cycles. In the EBT/EBM component, the
fundamental aspects of multiple teaching and learning areas will be explored and implemented over one year.
This long-term faculty training program will provide the sustained and lasting efforts required for faculty to change
their teaching practices. These five integrated program components of the U-RISE at UPR-Cayey are designed
to facilitate the completion of baccalaureate degrees and the transition into and completion of biomedical
research-focused higher degree programs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10811633
- **Project number:** 5T34GM145404-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PR CAYEY UNIVERSITY COLL
- **Principal Investigator:** Wilfredo Resto
- **Activity code:** T34 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $403,952
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-04-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10811633

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10811633, U-RISE at University of Puerto Rico at Cayey (5T34GM145404-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10811633. Licensed CC0.

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