# Biomedical Research Inclusion & Diversity to Grow Excellence in Science - Undergraduate Program in Pathology for HBCUs (BRIDGE-UP HBCU)

> **NIH NIH R25** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2024 · $329,557

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The mission of the Biomedical Research Inclusion & Diversity to Grow Excellence in Science – Undergraduate
program in Pathology for HBCUs (BRIDGE UP-HBCU) is to build a biomedical research workforce reflecting
the talent pool of our diverse population by increasing the pool of talented Black applicants for PhD and
MD/PhD programs. The University of Utah is committed to fortifying, sustaining and amplifying the STEM
pipeline that trains and launches a diverse research workforce. BRIDGE UP-HBCU will specifically address the
leaks in the pipeline leading from undergraduate to doctoral training of Black and other underrepresented
scientists. BRIDGE UP-HBCU will recruit students from partnership relationships with Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), while expanding these relationships to additional HBCUs. These students
demonstrate a strong drive for doctoral research and physician scientist research tracks and would benefit
from additional research-intensive training experiences and professional development, enhancing both their
successful transition to top-tier doctoral programs, as well as their long-term retention in biomedical research-
based career tracks. In order to accomplish these goals, BRIDGE UP-HBCU will provide key proposed
activities that include (1) holistic, culturally competent career-long mentor networks (2) experiences to
undertake hypothesis-driven research; (3) scientific and professional skill development workshops and
activities that hone strong oral and written communication skills, enhances their self-confidence and authentic
scientific identity, and instills successful strategies for applying to graduate school. Building on institutional
momentum and infrastructure at the University of Utah that is dedicated to supporting STEM equity, diversity
and inclusion, BRIDGE UP-HBCU will fortify its Scholars’ critical thinking and research experience, develop a
resilient mindset to persist in high-quality graduate programs and beyond into a roles of leadership and
mentoring in biomedical career tracks.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10891461
- **Project number:** 5R25AI170381-03
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Keke Celeste Fairfax
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $329,557
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-08-25 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10891461

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10891461, Biomedical Research Inclusion & Diversity to Grow Excellence in Science - Undergraduate Program in Pathology for HBCUs (BRIDGE-UP HBCU) (5R25AI170381-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10891461. Licensed CC0.

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