PROJECT SUMMARY Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is one of the greatest contributors to low back pain, yet how the IVD can generate pain remains poorly understood. The parent grant will pursue Specific Aims to study the development of temporal and spatial changes in neuronal function and their “cross-talk” with the degenerating IVD in a mouse model of lumbar IVD degeneration. (1) We request supplement funds to support the mentorship of one post-baccalaurate trainee in research related to the parent grant to enhance her preparedness for applications to a doctoral program. We also request supplement funds to support a second pre-doctoral trainee who will bring strengths of micro-molding and iPSCs differentiation to the in vitro work proposed in the parent grant. For both trainees, we have planned independent research, scientific workshops, fellowship writing, scientific communication and national travel to make the most of this 1-year supplement period. (2) We also request supplement funds to support the goals of a PI-organized, multi-institution Rising BME Scholars Regional Conference (2022-2024). This conference is a partnership of 10 universities, mostly in the Midwest region, intended to retain Ph.D.-level research trainees in academic research careers. We request funds to evaluate 3-year conference outcomes, including job placement, success with fellowship and independent funding, experience with other scholars’ development workshops, and ratings of the conference programming. Working with professionals of an evaluation center, the conference organizers plan to publish results to illustrate a model of inter-institutional collaboration to support trainee success. We believe the process and outcomes will be of broad interest to the biomedical research community, for the potential to increase minoritized scientist representation in research. (3) Based on the premise that research mentors should use their position to advance diversity in academia, we believe an effective mentor must be an effective communicator. For this reason, funds are requested to bring a 2-day scientific communication workshop to campus, to educate 32 faculty mentors and trainees in methods of scientific communication towards the goal of strengthening their advocacy skills for research and for STEM. (4) Finally, supplemental funds are requested to bring engineering undergraduates, post-baccalaureate trainees and junior PhDs to the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) in November 2024, and a separate cohort to the Annual Conference of oSTEM in October 2024. Completion of this work will promote retention of emerging scholars in research-focused careers, enhance the quality of faculty research mentorship, and provide critical support to trainees on the parent grant.